Garland, TX — The City of Garland is preparing for an important decision regarding the future of City Manager Judson Rex, whose employment contract is set to expire on December 31, 2025. In the coming weeks, the City Council will deliberate on Rex’s contract, a matter that has garnered significant attention given the changes that have taken place in the city since he was promoted to the position on January 17, 2023.
Under Rex’s leadership, the City of Garland has seen the completion of various projects funded by earlier bonds and a reorganization of city government operations. Notably, his tenure has resulted in the addition of approximately 350 new jobs within the city. However, this growth has occurred alongside a substantial loss of staff, with 865 employees leaving for various reasons, including retirement. Reports indicate that in the past year alone, the city lost around 770 years of institutional knowledge due to the exit of senior staff, a significant increase from the 375 years of institutional senior staff knowledge lost from the previous year.
Multiple former employees have expressed concerns to the Gazette, alleging that they felt pressured into early retirement. Employees from different departments reported feeling systematically excluded from meetings and responsibilities, leading to an environment where some received ultimatums regarding their positions. While some chose to accept the terms of their departure, others opted to file complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which have since been accepted. It appears many former employees were unaware that others had filed similar complaints regarding their treatment.
As per Rex’s contract, the City has the option to terminate his employment for “Good Cause.” However, due to a lack of notice—specifically, the requirement for an 18-month written notice from a previous slate of Council members—the city would be obligated to continue paying Rex should they not choose to renew his contract. This situation has unfolded amid a series of controversies, including missteps related to the Jones Hardware building sale, the bulldozing of the Spring Creek Forest Preserve, and complications with MD Health Pathways, as well as failed deals with Atletico.
Compounding these challenges is the recent administrative leave of Deputy City Manager Mitch Bates, who has served the city for nearly 40 years. Reports suggest that Bates faced allegations regarding ambitions to take Rex’s position, despite having previously declined the role of City Manager before Rex was recommended for the position.
As the City Council approaches the critical decision regarding Rex’s contract, it is essential for them to remember their duties to hold the City Manager accountable, establish key performance indicators, manage behaviors effectively, and provide reassurance to residents regarding their deliberations. The Council is also scheduled for a retreat, where they will spend significant time together along with Rex and key city leaders. This retreat comes at a pivotal moment, just weeks before the contract expiration, amidst growing tensions surrounding the future of the city’s leadership.
The decisions made in the coming weeks will have lasting impacts on the City of Garland, and it is imperative for the Council to communicate their rationale and the outcomes of their discussions clearly to the community they serve.
