Dallas CFO Jack Ireland to retire

Jack Ireland, Dallas Chief Financial Officer for over 30 years, will retire January 5, 2027. City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert announced the decision Friday.

“Jack's retirement leaves a foundation of acute fiscal stewardship and unwavering professionalism in financial transparency.”

New budget reaches 5.7 billion

Dallas City Council approved a $5.7 billion fiscal year 2027 budget, up from $5.2 billion, with police receiving over $823 million and fire-rescue over $471 million.

Police force still 590 officers short

Dallas Police Department has 3,410 sworn officers but needs 4,000 to meet Proposition U voter mandate. Even with budget targets of 3,651 by end of 2027, the city will remain 349 officers short.

Ireland built strong financial reserves

Ireland increased the General Fund Reserve from $59 million in 2010 to a projected $343 million for 2027, and helped reduce property tax rates by nearly 10 cents over the past decade.

Attorney general sues over police gap

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Dallas in February, alleging the city failed to comply with Proposition U's police staffing requirement. Dallas has contested the allegations in court.

Successor faces pension and staffing pressure

Dallas's next CFO will manage police and fire pension obligations, growing reserves, and implementation of the new budget while addressing the ongoing officer shortage.

City projects slow progress on hiring

Dallas projects 3,800 police officers by end of fiscal year 2028, still 200 short of the 4,000-officer mandate. The city faces a $50.9 million General Fund gap for fiscal year 2027.