Payson council rejects interim appointment for Charlie Sarafin, votes to run in-house search for town manager

The Payson Common Council on Jan. 15 rejected a motion to appoint Charlie Sarafin as interim town manager but unanimously approved beginning an in‑house search to fill the town manager vacancy.

The council rejected the interim appointment motion 3–4 after public and council debate about perception, vetting and the scope of an interim manager's duties. Later in the same meeting the council voted 7–0 to direct Human Resources to begin an in‑house recruitment for a permanent town manager, with staff estimating a 5–7 month process and presenting a competitive pay range to guide advertising and hiring.

The interim appointment motion—moved from the dais to name Sarafin and to have town counsel negotiate an employment agreement—was put to a vote after extended discussion about whether the council should proceed immediately or first define consulting/services scope and timing. Staff attorney Sheila (staff member) reminded the council that “any discussion about Mr. Sarafin specifically would need to be done in this setting” because Sarafin had requested public discussion, and the council proceeded in open session.

Council members split over Sarafin’s…