Oakland’s top city administrator, Jestin Johnson, resigned in May following revelations of sexually suggestive text messages about female colleagues. While city officials portrayed the departure as an immediate and decisive severance, records show Johnson remained on the city payroll until July 15, receiving nearly $160,000 in compensation after his resignation announcement.

Mayor Barbara Lee condemned Johnson’s conduct when the messages came to light, describing her reaction as one of anger and emphasizing that such behavior would not be tolerated under her administration. She swiftly appointed an acting city administrator to signal a clean break from Johnson’s tenure amid the controversy.

Johnson tendered his resignation after an investigation into the communications was initiated, with Mayor Lee accepting the resignation. However, contrary to initial public impressions of a rapid exit, Johnson’s resignation letter, dated May 16, stipulated that his departure would be effective two months later, on July 15.

Financial records obtained indicate that out of the roughly $160,000 Johnson received following his resignation announcement, approximately $66,000 was paid during a period classified as administrative leave. The remaining amounts largely consisted of accrued vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay. Only about $4,700 was disbursed as regular earnings after the resignation notice.

The extended payout and retained payroll status during the administrative leave have raised questions about the city’s handling of personnel matters in light of the scandal. City officials did not provide additional details on the decision to allow Johnson to remain on the payroll during the intervening period.

Johnson’s departure marks a significant leadership change amid ongoing scrutiny of workplace culture within Oakland’s municipal government. The mayor’s office has pledged to uphold stricter standards and maintain transparency moving forward.