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Residents press council on transparency, contract processes and conflicts of interest; council retreats to executive session
Summary
Residents used the Jan. 22 public-comment period to press the Payson Town Council for more transparency about contracts, a 2021 engagement letter with Stifel tied to a proposed $70 million bond, a $3 million land purchase for a proposed pool, and perceived inconsistency in permitting and information access.
A broad set of residents used the Jan. 22 public-comment period at the Payson Town Council to raise concerns about transparency, contract approvals, alleged inconsistent permitting and personnel practices, a 2021 engagement letter with bond underwriter Stifel, and the town's purchase of land for a proposed pool.
Tom Dunning, a 21-year resident, opened public comment with a general plea on conflicts of interest: "Avoiding conflict of interest in government is important not just because government is responsible to the people, but also because even the appearance of conflict of interest is corrosive to the public trust," he said.
Several speakers asked the council to review the town's processes. Charlie Sarafin produced a 2021 engagement letter between the town and Stifel and asked why a second-in-command…
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