Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Payson public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues in taxes budget with medium priority
Town facility waste collection contract
The town locked in a one-year, $63,827.30 contract with Waste Management of Arizona for trash service at town facilities only — residents' private trash options are unaffected.
Emergency clause policy
Two council members wanted the town to define what counts as an "emergency" for using the emergency clause, which skips the 30-day referendum window. Critics said it has been used on financial matters like bonds, depriving residents of referendum rights. Council ultimately stuck with state statute.
Two-hearing requirement for ordinances
A housekeeping ordinance would have let the council pass non-emergency ordinances the same day they're introduced. After critics called it an attack on public participation, council members declined to support it and staff withdrew it.
Review of Town legal services
Council Members Bell and Ferris want a look at whether Payson should keep contract legal services or bring an attorney in-house, and the prosecution services fee is set to jump to $180,000 a year. All of it was tabled so the full Council could weigh in.
In-House Town Attorney Discussion Requested
Council members Bell and Ferris want a future agenda item exploring hiring an in-house attorney instead of the contract firm, which costs about $367,000 a year for civil work and wants to raise prosecution fees to $180,000. Staff research suggested in-house legal could cost roughly as much or more.
Grant funding pursuit
Council probed how aggressively the town chases grants — about $16 million in applications are in the works, with a grants coordinator, department directors, and nonprofit partners like Rim Country Trail Friends all contributing.
Proposed 2026-27 Fee Changes
The town wants to update its fee schedule, mostly reflecting engineering and plan reviews now done in-house instead of outsourced. Contractors and builders should see permitting take months less, and the fees stay competitive with larger cities. It comes back for a public hearing after 60 days of posting.
Independent voter participation
Isaac Black flagged that fewer than 1% of unaffiliated voters cast ballots in 2024 due to confusing ballot request rules, and asked the town to clarify voting processes for 2026.
Unfulfilled Council Commitments — Forensic Audit, Agenda Access, OML Town Hall
Resident Isaac Blake says the council promised six months ago to take up an independent forensic audit, council member access to agenda placement, and an Open Meeting Law-compliant town hall — and none has come back. He wants answers on the record.
League of Arizona Cities and Towns Legislative Priorities
The council split 4-3 on endorsing the League's 2026 priorities, with three members citing vague language, metro-bent priorities, and the League lobbying against Payson at the Legislature. Supporters said it's non-binding and helps the town's voice on revenue issues like the Wayfair tax.
Public funds and KMOG radio appearances
A resident objected to the town manager spending about $2,000 of public money on appearances at KMOG, which he called a partisan Tea Party platform, and asked the council to adopt a neutral communications policy.