The Payson Town Council convened on January 8, 2025, to address several pressing issues, primarily focusing on the selection process for an interim town manager and concerns regarding transparency in local governance.

The meeting began with public comments, where residents expressed their desire for clarity in the selection process for the interim manager position. One speaker emphasized the need for transparency, urging the council to justify their choice of candidates based on qualifications rather than personal connections. This sentiment was echoed by others who questioned the integrity of the selection process, suggesting that favoritism could undermine public trust.

Council member Charlie Sarafin responded to these concerns, asserting his impartiality and clarifying his role in the selection process. He explained that he had volunteered to serve in an interim capacity for a nominal fee, emphasizing that he had no financial interests tied to the town's media outlets. Sarafin also highlighted his commitment to reducing reliance on external consultants, advocating for the utilization of local talent to manage town operations more effectively.

Further discussions revealed dissatisfaction with previous hiring practices, with Sarafin noting that significant contracts had been signed without public knowledge, raising concerns about accountability. He called for greater transparency in all town contracts and suggested that all agreements should be accessible to the public.

Another resident, Scott Greenhall, raised questions about the rationale behind considering a new interim manager when the current one had garnered respect and expertise. He urged the council to expedite the search for a permanent town manager instead of prolonging the interim process, which he felt could appear disingenuous given the council's platform of transparency.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for a more open and accountable selection process moving forward. The council acknowledged the importance of addressing public concerns and committed to ensuring that future decisions reflect the community's expectations for integrity and transparency in governance.