The Payson Town Council meeting on August 13, 2025, focused on significant discussions regarding financial transparency and governance practices within the town. Two residents, Charlie and Isaac Blake, urged the council to consider commissioning a forensic audit to enhance accountability and public trust in municipal finances.

Charlie emphasized that a forensic audit goes beyond the standard municipal audit, which merely verifies that financial reports are mathematically correct. He argued that a forensic audit could uncover potential discrepancies, such as payments made under different names or the existence of preferred vendor lists that may not be transparent. He expressed concern over the lack of visible improvements in town services despite a growing budget and workforce, suggesting that a forensic audit could identify areas needing correction.

Isaac Blake supported Charlie's call for the audit, framing it as a best practice for municipalities facing public scrutiny. He highlighted the importance of establishing a verified baseline for financial records, which would help the council and community work from trusted data. Blake also proposed additional agenda items for future meetings, including establishing a lawful process for council members to access documents and creating an ongoing town hall process to facilitate public dialogue.

The council members responded positively to the suggestions, with some expressing openness to placing these items on the agenda for further discussion. The meeting underscored a shared commitment among residents and council members to enhance transparency and trust in local governance, aiming to address community concerns and improve the overall functioning of the town.