Gratitude and Resolve
Updates and Information

With Gratitude and Resolve

To the citizens of Payson and all those who stood with us There comes a moment in every civic movement when the dust settles.  When the courtrooms go quiet, the signs are taken down, and the social feeds slow.  That moment is here for Transparent Payson.  But make no mistake: the echo of our efforts […]

Updates and Information

Payson Town Legal, Same Old Same

A funny thing happened when Mr. Jon Paladini separated from the Town of Payson.  We researched new Town Legal, Ms. Christina Werther, to see if there would be a change in approach regarding citizens’ rights.  Based on her position in a Prescott Valley voter matter, it does not look like there will be.  Citizens’ rights […]

Updates and Information

Words Matter – Playing by the Rules

Resolution 3423 was passed, stopping the $70m bond issuance.  There was limited discussion before the passage.  The entire three-hour thirty-minute video may be found on the Town of Payson website.  To save you some pain, we have taken excerpts.  Town Manager Mr. Troy Smith had some harsh words for incoming Mayor Otto. Payson Town Manager, […]

Catch-22 Payson Style
Updates and Information

Catch-22 Payson Style

Generally, all court filings are public records; there are some exceptions for domestic matters.  In Arizona, the actual documents can be accessed via the eAccess portal.  Pay a small fee and get a copy of the document.  S-0400-CV-202400271, Rose vs. Town of Payson, appears atypical in that regard.  The web portal advises contacting the court […]

Updates and Information

Goldwater Institute Sues the Town of Payson

We are beyond thrilled. Enough of the abuse of the emergency ordinance.  The Goldwater Institute has filed suit.  The cause of action is based on the use of an emergency clause.  That cause was part of our original complaint.  Co-Plantiff Nichols asked for dismissal when the Town filed a counterclaim against Plaintiffs Transparent Payson and […]

Updates and Information

Trial update and appearance on KMOG

The trial was completed last Friday, the 19th.  Transparent Payson has always viewed the matter as a question of law, which results in a slightly different trial than many may be familiar with in a civil setting. There was no discovery, no experts, none of that. There are central questions of law that need to […]

Hopes are dashed.
Updates and Information

Groundhog Day Tax Increase

The movie Groundhog Day is cute.  Bill Murray’s character, weatherman Phil Connors, repeatedly gets stuck in the same day.  A film buff worked it out to be thirty-three years and 350 days. In the end, Bill/Phil gets the girl.  Maybe it was worth it for that?  For a tax increase, we would hope for a […]

Updates and Information

A Pending 1% Payson Sales Tax/TPT Increase?

Transparent Payson has sometimes been labeled “conjecture,” “speculation,” and other choice things.   The fiscal issues facing our community are coming into focus every day.   The current issue?   A potential 1% sales tax increase.   The sales tax (TPT) rate for Payson is 9.48%.   That comprises 5.6% State Tax, 1% Gila County Tax, and 2.88% Town […]

Updates and Information

Discussions About the Issues

We recently had the opportunity to provide some alternative information with Counsel Mr. Timothy A. La Sota at a breakfast meeting and on KMOG hosted by Charlie Seraphin.  The Town of Payson had a lengthy presentation on why the Propositions are illegal in their enforcement.  During that meeting, it appeared that some difficult questions were […]

Updates and Information

A Healthy Government Does NOT Suppress Free Speech.

Attempting to stifle protected/free speech is never a good quality for a government.  By definition, that action is oppressive.  Bullying is not tolerated at the local schools.  There is a significant discussion on the causes and consequences.  Bullying is a real issue, most grow out of it, and apparently, some do not.  Perhaps some Council […]