During the Payson Town Council meeting on January 22, 2025, community members voiced significant concerns regarding transparency and governance in local affairs. A key point of discussion centered on the need for improved access to information and documents related to town operations and budgeting. Resident Barbara Bunton emphasized the importance of transparency, stating that both the council and staff require adequate information to make informed decisions. She expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of annual audits, referencing a high-profile embezzlement case in Santa Cruz County to highlight potential vulnerabilities in oversight.

Farmer Brook, another resident, raised questions about the council's ability to access contracts without formal requests, suggesting that this lack of transparency undermines the council's effectiveness. He criticized the council's current operations, questioning the necessity of their existence if they cannot obtain essential information.

Mike Quinn, known locally as "the garbage man," called for immediate action to appoint a town manager and address pressing issues such as the lack of a police chief and road repairs. He criticized the council for engaging in what he termed "political games" rather than focusing on tangible community needs.

The meeting also featured a brief report from Town Manager Sheila, who provided updates on local events and preparations for potential winter weather. She acknowledged the success of community events, including a youth hockey clinic and the winter ice rink, which fostered community engagement.

Overall, the meeting underscored a growing demand among Payson residents for greater accountability and responsiveness from their elected officials, with calls for immediate action to address pressing community issues. The council's next steps will be crucial in determining how effectively they can respond to these concerns and restore public trust.