Council Authorizes Probe of Jenkins Severance

Wichita Falls officials will examine a $185,000 separation agreement with former City Manager Jeff Jenkins, who faces a felony stalking charge.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in City Hall

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a plain limestone civic building with a single flagpole against a flat prairie horizon. — The Wichita Falls City Council authorized an investigation on November 3 into a $185,000 severance paid to former City Manager Jeff Jenkins, who was charged with felony stalking. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Wichita Falls City Council approved a resolution on November 3, 2026, authorizing the City Attorney to investigate the separation agreement with former City Manager Jeff Jenkins and pursue recovery of funds paid to him. Jenkins resigned in August 2026, effective September 1, 2026, and was arrested on October 21, 2026, on a third-degree felony stalking charge.

Why it matters

The resolution signals that city officials are reexamining payments made during a departure that preceded criminal charges against the former official. The allegations against Jenkins have not been proven in court.

The council approved the resolution on November 3, 2026, after a closed-door executive session, and the separation agreement provided Jenkins $185,000 in compensation and benefits. Jenkins posted a $25,000 bond after his October 21 arrest, and recovery of paid funds remains contingent on the City Attorney's investigation.

The players

Jeff Jenkins

Jeff Jenkins is the former Wichita Falls city manager who resigned in 2026 and was later arrested on a felony stalking charge.

Wichita Falls City Council

The Wichita Falls City Council is the elected governing body of the city that approves municipal resolutions and agreements.

The details

An August 14 investigation summary recorded concerns raised by a woman identified as "Jane Doe" about Jenkins' communications with her, and an internal investigation was underway before his resignation was announced. Public information requests revealed that the internal investigation preceded his departure, prompting the council to authorize the City Attorney to examine the agreement.

August 14, 2026: Investigation summary recorded concerns about Jenkins' communications.
August 2026: Jenkins announced his resignation as city manager.
September 1, 2026: Jenkins' departure became effective.
October 21, 2026: Jenkins was arrested on a third-degree felony stalking charge.
November 3, 2026: Council approved the resolution authorizing the investigation.

Legal Context

The council's action places the case within Texas procedures governing municipal severance agreements and the recovery of public funds paid to departing officials. Such inquiries typically turn on whether payments were authorized under existing agreements and applicable law, a question the City Attorney has now been directed to examine.

Wichita Falls residents may see whether the $185,000 paid to Jenkins is recovered, which would depend on the City Attorney's investigation and any resulting legal action. The outcome could affect how city funds are used in future personnel separations.

The takeaway

Public payments tied to departures under investigation often remain open to review, so residents can follow city council agendas and City Attorney actions for updates. The criminal allegations against Jenkins have not been proven and should be weighed accordingly.