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Residents urge forensic audit and greater transparency at Cary Town Council meeting
Summary
Multiple residents urged Cary councilors to commission a full forensic audit and stronger oversight after recent press reports and disclosures about town spending and reimbursements; one written comment supported the town manager amid the dispute.
Dozens of residents addressed the Cary Town Council on Dec. 11, urging the body to pursue a full forensic audit and greater transparency after recent news reports and internal disclosures.
”Because the council cannot be trusted, an outside organization needs to conduct a full forensic audit of our town’s books and records,” registered speaker Renee Miller told the council, saying citizens “should not settle for less.” Miller accused officials of permitting policy violations and urged that “those who committed these acts and those who approved or failed to report it need to go.”
Other speakers echoed demands for accountability. Sally Spencer questioned how residents can trust the council after disclosures about payments the town made toward a council member’s MBA, and Rebecca Lancer said she was “shocked” by recent reports and implored the council to “do the right thing.” Marjorie Eastman, who identified herself as a resident and former commander, urged leaders to show “courage” and “integrity” and called for full transparency.
Not all public input questioned the administration. A written comment from Jordan Odle expressed support for Town Manager Sean Stegall and thanked local public safety personnel and the mayor for their service.
The council did not take formal action on the audit requests during the meeting. Councilors heard the comments during the Public Speaks Out period and later moved through the consent agenda and scheduled items. Several speakers said they want the council to consider structural changes such as term limits to restore public confidence.
Next steps: The meeting closed the Public Speaks Out period without a council motion on an audit. Speakers called on the council to take further oversight steps in future sessions.
