Concerns over costly contracts and the search for a new town manager dominated the Payson Town Council meeting on January 8, 2025. A council member raised alarms about existing contracts that pay exorbitant rates for minimal work, stating, “We have contracts where we're paying people $4,000 a week for three days of work. It doesn't make sense.” This sentiment resonated with the council, highlighting a growing frustration with financial decisions that seem out of touch with the town's needs.

The discussion shifted to the urgent need for a new town manager, with calls for utilizing local resources and expertise. The council member emphasized the importance of leveraging the town's HR department to find a suitable candidate, praising the current acting town manager for her capabilities. “Let’s pull some resources from other departments if we have to and put a full court press on,” he urged, advocating for a thorough and transparent search process.

The meeting also touched on past hiring issues, with the council member referencing significant problems that arose from previous management decisions. He expressed a desire for an outside perspective to help navigate the town's challenges, stating, “It’s time for a change. We just need an outside set of eyes, not motivated by money or politics.”

As the council prepares to tackle these pressing issues, the focus remains on ensuring fiscal responsibility and effective leadership for the future of Payson. The implications of these discussions could lead to significant changes in how the town manages its resources and leadership roles moving forward.