Full Breakdown
Ken Paxton Sues Dallas Over Alleged Police Funding Violations
2/16/2026, 11:56:47 AM
Overview of the Lawsuit
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the City of Dallas, claiming that city officials have failed to comply with Proposition U, a voter-approved measure mandating increased funding for the police department. Approved by Dallas voters in November 2024, Proposition U requires the city to allocate at least 50% of any new annual revenue towards police and fire pensions and to maintain a minimum of 4,000 sworn police officers. Paxton's lawsuit names Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert and Chief Financial Officer Jack Ireland Jr. as defendants, accusing them of unlawfully underfunding the police department.
Allegations of Miscalculation
Paxton alleges that Dallas officials inaccurately reported the city's excess revenue for the fiscal year 2025-26. He claims the city should have reported approximately $220 million in excess revenue, but instead reported only $61 million. The lawsuit argues that this miscalculation violates the requirements set forth in Proposition U, which aims to bolster public safety funding. Furthermore, Paxton contends that Dallas has not hired an independent third-party firm to conduct the annual police compensation survey mandated by the proposition.
City’s Response and Compliance Efforts
Dallas city leaders have taken steps to comply with Proposition U, including a recent approval of a 30-year, $11 billion pension funding plan for the police department. However, city officials have indicated that reaching the mandated 4,000 officer threshold may not occur until the end of the decade. As of November 2025, the Dallas Police Department had approximately 3,314 officers, falling short of the requirement. A city spokesperson declined to comment on the pending litigation.
Broader Implications and Criticism
The lawsuit has sparked discussions about the potential impact on other city services, as critics have warned that strict adherence to Proposition U could lead to budget cuts in essential areas. The HERO Group, which supported the proposition, has expressed approval of Paxton's legal action, stating that the city has failed to meet its obligations to voters.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I filed this lawsuit to ensure that the City of Dallas fully funds law enforcement, upholds public safety, and is accountable to its constituents,” — Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General
- “When voters demand more funding for law enforcement, local officials must immediately comply.” — Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General
- “This defiance has gone on far too long, and we're glad to see Attorney General Ken Paxton's actions holding the city accountable for unlawfully ignoring its own residents," the HERO Group's statement read.” — HERO Group Statement
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is a discrepancy regarding the reported excess revenue figures. While Paxton claims the city should have reported $220 million, Dallas officials reported only $61 million. The basis for Paxton's revenue figure remains unclear, as does the city's methodology for calculating its reported excess revenue.
What's Next
As the lawsuit progresses, it will likely draw attention to the ongoing debate over police funding and public safety priorities in Dallas. The outcome may influence future budget decisions and the city’s approach to fulfilling the mandates of Proposition U.
