Public criticism over hiring and questions about interim town manager drive council to open search

A sustained block of public comment at the Percival Town Council meeting focused on recent hiring decisions and what many speakers called a lack of transparency in the town's personnel processes. Residents urged the council to open the interim town manager position to broader competition and questioned potential conflicts of interest surrounding recent hires.

Multiple speakers, including community members Mitch Sipe (speaker 22), Paul McCrae (speaker 23), Beth Goldsmith (speaker 24) and others, said the interim hiring process lacked sufficient panel interviews and raised ethical concerns. Several residents also expressed support for making Sarah Lambrania the permanent police chief.

Council then convened a closed session to discuss employment contracts for the interim town manager and the town attorney. After closed session the council debated several motions concerning an indefinite contract for Interim Town Manager Tony Sabio, a 90-day contract, and a motion to initiate a search for a replacement interim manager. One motion to extend Sabio's contract beyond the original 90 days failed on a split vote; the council then voted to direct staff to begin an immediate search for an interim town manager and to report options back to the council.

Sabio addressed the council and residents in public comment during the meeting, describing efforts to stabilize staff and asking for time to complete a planned transition; opponents cited town-charter residency and legal exposure as reasons to seek a broader search. The council directed HR and staff to research interim-staffing providers and to prepare for hiring steps as soon as possible.