Retired Waco police sergeant urges council to disclose city manager contract, alleges conflicts of interest

Patrick Swanton, who identified himself as a retired sergeant with the City of Waco Police Department, used a public-comment slot at the Nov. 4 council meeting to press the council for transparency about the city manager’s contract and to raise broad allegations of conflicts of interest.

"We are trying to meet with you and visit with you about our concerns," Swanton said, noting he spoke on behalf of "12,000 plus retirees" and that the group had provided handouts to council. He asked the council to meet with the group and to clarify whether the outgoing city manager’s personal software business had been used for city work. "If it is true, it absolutely represents some extremely poor decision making and without a doubt, we believe it is a conflict of interest," Swanton said.

Swanton criticized the city’s treatment of retirees and senior staff compensation, saying, "As of September 23, city manager's pay was $360,000," and faulting the city for generous pay and benefits for top staff while offering what he described as limited retiree support. He also urged council members to disclose the proposal he said exists for an upcoming contract and asked whether the next city manager would be offered the same deal.

Council did not take action during the meeting on Swanton’s requests. Mayor Pro Tem Tim Barefield closed the hearing of visitors after Swanton’s remarks and the council moved on to scheduled agenda items.

The remarks were made during the meeting’s hearing-of-visitors segment; staff said the council would listen and could ask staff to follow up. No staff report, investigation, or formal referral on Swanton’s specific claims was recorded in the meeting minutes or on the agenda during the session.