Former City Manager T.C. Broadnax to Repay $3,780 in City-Funded Lunches

In an interesting development, T.C. Broadnax, who previously served as the Dallas City Manager and is now an executive in Austin, has announced his intention to reimburse the City of Austin $3,780. 

This decision follows a report by the Austin American-Statesman, which disclosed that he had billed the city for nearly 150 solo lunches since assuming his position last May.

A recent examination of discretionary spending by city officials has revealed that Broadnax's meal expenses, totaling $3,300, could potentially violate city policy. 

In a decisive move, Broadnax recognized the problem at hand and took responsibility by covering the entire expense.

“In the past, it has been common to expense working lunches. However, it seems there has been some confusion regarding the policy, which I will address without delay,” Broadnax stated.

Austin leaders are under scrutiny regarding their spending practices as the reimbursement is announced. Included in the group is Eddie García, the former Dallas Police Chief, who is currently in charge of public safety in Austin and has reported an expense of $344 for protein shakes. García clarified that the charges were related to standard office supplies, but he has now discontinued this practice. “I’m putting a stop to it right now,” he declared to the Statesman.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson expressed his thoughts, saying, “It is essential for everyone to exercise sound and professional judgment regarding our actions and the way we cover meal expenses.”

Broadnax assumed leadership in Austin, commanding an annual salary of $470,000 following his departure from Dallas in early 2024. Accompanied by a cadre of high-ranking officials from Dallas, he was joined by García, the former Deputy City Manager Jon Fortune, and Chief of Staff Genesis D. Gavino.

García is on the verge of a potential return to North Texas, as he has been selected as a finalist for the position of police chief in Fort Worth. City Manager Jay Chapa is set to finalize his selection after a public forum scheduled for August 14, with an announcement anticipated before Labor Day.

Officials in Austin have remained silent regarding the recent revelations from the expense report.

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