Charlotte, NC, September 13, 2025
News Summary
State Auditor Dave Boliek has criticized the Charlotte City Council for a lack of transparency related to a $305,000 settlement with Police Chief Johnny Jennings. The settlement was ratified in closed sessions, prompting concerns about public oversight of taxpayer funds. Boliek’s report urged the city to adopt clearer policies on employee settlements, improve access to closed session minutes, and reassess funding methods for such payments. Despite the findings, city officials stated they comply with public records laws, but acknowledged the need for better transparency practices.
Charlotte City Auditor Promotes Transparency in $305,000 Settlement with Police Chief
Charlotte, North Carolina – State Auditor Dave Boliek has released a report criticizing the Charlotte City Council for its lack of transparency surrounding a $305,000 settlement with Police Chief Johnny Jennings. The settlement was finalized in May 2025 during closed sessions, raising concerns about how taxpayer funds are managed and disclosed.
Boliek’s investigation was launched when questions arose about a closed-door vote that authorized the settlement, which was reportedly intended to avoid a lawsuit from Jennings. Details of the settlement were not made public until Boliek urged Mayor Vi Lyles to disclose them.
Settlement Breakdown
The settlement amount comprises $280,000 drawn from the city’s General Fund and $25,000 from the Risk Management Fund. The report detailed the allocation of the settlement as follows:
- Severance payment: $175,000 (scheduled for January 2026)
- Retroactive pay increase: $14,017
- Retention bonus: $45,699
- Additional vacation days (valued at): $45,285
- Legal expenses reimbursement: $25,000
According to the auditor’s report, using funds from the General Fund for settlement payments raised concerns, particularly because these costs were not included in the city’s adopted FY 2025 budget.
Investigation Findings
While the investigation determined that the city did not violate the Public Records Act or the Open Meetings Law, it did highlight significant issues with transparency in the handling of taxpayer money. Boliek recommended three procedures for improvement:
- Adopt a clear policy regarding the release of information about employee settlements.
- Ensure timely public access to closed session minutes to improve transparency.
- Reassess the appropriateness of using the General Fund for major settlement payments, proposing reliance on the Risk Management Fund instead.
Following the report’s release, Mayor Lyles affirmed that the city complies with public records laws and stated that internal practices regarding settlement disclosures would be reviewed. However, Boliek criticized the city leadership for lacking the same emphasis on transparency.
Background Context
The vote on the settlement reportedly took place during closed sessions held on April 28 and May 5, 2025. The information regarding the settlement was unveiled shortly after Jennings announced his retirement, prompting further scrutiny of how the matter was handled.
Boliek emphasized the importance of public oversight concerning taxpayer funds and urged the city to foster greater openness in financial dealings to restore public trust.
FAQ
Why was the $305,000 settlement kept from the public initially?
The settlement was reached during closed sessions of the Charlotte City Council, and details were disclosed only after auditor Dave Boliek requested transparency from the city.
What was the breakdown of the settlement payment?
The $305,000 payment included a severance payment of $175,000, a retroactive pay increase of $14,017, a retention bonus of $45,699, additional vacation days valued at $45,285, and reimbursement of legal expenses totaling $25,000.
What recommendations did auditor Dave Boliek make for Charlotte?
Boliek recommended adopting a clear policy on employee settlement disclosures, ensuring timely release of closed session minutes, and reevaluating the use of the General Fund for settlement payments.
Was there any violation of the Public Records Act?
The auditor’s investigation concluded there were no violations of the Public Records Act or Open Meetings Law, but it did highlight concerns related to transparency in the settlement process.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Settlement Amount | $305,000 |
| Source of Funds | General Fund: $280,000; Risk Management Fund: $25,000 |
| Severance Payment | $175,000 (scheduled for January 2026) |
| Retroactive Pay Increase | $14,017 |
| Retention Bonus | $45,699 |
| Vacation Days Value | $45,285 |
| Legal Expenses | $25,000 |
| Auditor’s Recommendations | Policy adoption on disclosures; timely release of minutes; re-evaluate funding sources |
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Additional Resources
- Carolina Journal: Lack of Transparency in Charlotte’s Settlement with Police Chief
- QC News: Audit Finds Charlotte Lacked Transparency in Settlement
- WSOCTV: State Auditor Releases Report on Charlotte Settlement
- Wikipedia: Transparency in Government
- Google Search: Charlotte Police Settlement Transparency
Author: HERE Charlotte
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