Happy New Year! Updates on Manager Transition, Champion Tree Removal, and an Update Stable Homes Cary

Purpose of this Blog

It is my hope that this blog will provide insight not only into who I am meeting with on behalf of the Town, but also the topics we discuss. I believe strongly in open and transparent government. This blog is one of several initiatives I implemented when I became mayor in 2007 to make the governmental process more accessible to our citizens.

This blog is written with sincerity, honesty, and a commitment to accuracy so our constituents can better understand the work we do. After all, we work for them!

Updates on the Town Manager Transition

As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, we continue to share updates regarding the town manager’s transition. This past week, additional information was posted on the following topics:

  • Land purchase and delegation of authority
  • Manager employment agreements
  • Trolley purchase and resale
  • Tuition reimbursement policy and related records
  • Council and manager roles
  • Council meeting participation links

The most current information is available here. Information from record requests can be found on the 311 portal.

The internal investigation being conducted by Womble Bond Dickinson is ongoing. The firm is reviewing whether any illegal activity may have occurred and identifying opportunities to strengthen our processes.

The State Auditor’s investigation is also ongoing, and we are fully cooperating by providing all requested documentation.

In addition, staff is compiling information on several matters of interest to the Council, including the ones requested by council member Bansal weeks ago:

  • The Town Manager’s spending authority
  • Professional development opportunities for Council and senior staff
  • Reallocation of funds for special projects
  • Implementation of a more structured review process for senior staff spending and documentation of time spent away from the office
  • Review of senior staff travel expenditures to ensure accountability
  • A comprehensive, in-depth review of the Town’s budget with full Council participation
  • Reporting on the Town’s fund balance at all quarterly meetings

It is important to allow staff and investigators sufficient time to gather and analyze information before making changes. Acting too quickly can lead to unintended consequences. For example, reducing the Town Manager’s spending authority too drastically could have serious operational impacts. In the recent water and sewer leak at Kildaire and Cary Parkway, an authority set too low would have required a special Council meeting to allocate funds, delaying critical repairs for residents and businesses.

We must avoid a “ready, shoot, aim” approach and ensure that any changes are thoughtful, deliberate, and well-informed.

Willow Oak at Page-Walker To be Removed

In Cary we value our trees and champion trees. Sadly, I received the following information from staff on Monday:

I wanted to forward some information that was shared with the Friends of Page Walker earlier this evening regarding the removal of a champion tree near the south parking area at Town Hall and adjacent to the Page Walker.  Please see the full email below.  The tree will be removed next week, and staff is also working on a revegetation plan to regrow the canopy.  Below is a little more detail from the full arborist report and if anyone would like to see the full report, we’ll be happy to provide a copy.  Please let Danna or I know if you have any additional questions.

Tree 1 was found to have two species of fungal pathogens (Oak Bracket Fungus and Brittle Cinder Fungus) at the root flare. The fungi encompass more than 50% of the circumference of the tree and was confirmed by the Bartlett Research Lab. The consulting arborist also assessed the tree using a mallet for sounding wood decay and a resistograph to determine the level of structural integrity within the root system of the tree. Resistograph drill readings were taken at 1-inch above grade in 21 locations around the full circumference of the tree and detected major structural integrity loss within the root flare. An average of at least 9.75 inches of sound wood is necessary to support a 64-inch willow oak. Of the 21 readings only three exceeded that thickness while nine showed less than 5-inches of sound wood and five showed no sound wood present within the root flare. The likelihood of failure is probable, which means that failure may be expected under normal conditions within the next two years. The tree also presented an unbalanced crown with more weight on the north side of the tree. The location of the most significant decay is on the east side of the tree, when this is combined with the unbalanced crown, there is a higher likelihood that if whole tree failure occurred the tree would fall toward the Page Walker.

We are blessed to have town staff that care about our trees.

Stable Homes Cary

The following was a briefing we received this week about our Stable Homes Cary program:

Updated December 28, 2025

Cary Housing Plan & Support for Housing Initiatives

  • Two key foundations of Cary’s housing strategy are Partnerships and People First. Through projects and programs, Cary collaborates with local and regional partners to improve housing resources in Cary. These endeavors help ensure that all Cary citizens can enjoy the high quality of life that Cary has to offer.
  • Since the adoption of the Cary Housing Plan in November 2021, Cary has launched several initiatives including Healthy Homes Cary to help low-income households with home repairs; Cary’s Nonprofit Capacity Building Program to provide training for nonprofit leaders; and Cary’s partnership with Laurel Street Residential to develop 126 units of mixed-income housing on Town-owned property at 921 SE Maynard.

Stable Homes Cary – Dorcas (recently renamed NeighborUp) Partnership

  • In early 2024, Cary began discussions with NeighborUp and other local groups interested in addressing housing instability, homelessness prevention, redevelopment displacement, and in particular, helping Chatham Estates residents. In addition to Cary and NeighborUp, other organizations involved in the discussions include Taylor Family YMCA, Northwest Cary YMCA, The Carying Place, A Doorway to Hope, OneWake, and the Western Regional Housing Action Group.
  • Through these discussions, NeighborUp, a major Cary non-profit providing emergency relief and support services to residents experiencing housing instability, agreed to serve as lead agency to support the launch of a new program, Stable Homes Cary. The program integrates three key components: short-term emergency relief, case management, and referrals to other area service providers.
  • In March 2024, Council approved the establishment of a two-pronged program including:
  • An allocation of $1,650,000 through FY27 ($500,000, $550,000, and $600,00 disbursed over three years, a blend of Cary General Funds and CDBG-CV Covid Relief funds) to scale up the existing direct emergency housing assistance model, develop housing navigation counseling expertise, and administer the Oasis Utility Bill and Play It Forward programs and;
  • An allocation of $800,000 (Cary General Funds) to seed a fund for assistance to be disbursed exclusively to residents who need to relocate due to property redevelopment.

Chatham Estates Potential Sale

  • As of February 7, 2024, Curtis Westbrook, owner of Chatham Estates, the 27.25-acre mobile home park with 144 mobile homes located at 607 Cedar Street at the intersection of E. Chatham Street and SE Maynard Road, listed the property for sale with broker Lee & Associates.
  • The listing currently includes the residential portion of the property. Cary’s understanding is that current owner plans to maintain ownership of the commercial area Chatham Square Shopping Center and Maynard Plaza.

In March 2025, a development plan was submitted to Cary by Withers Ravenel on behalf of Toll Brothers proposing the by-right development of 330 multifamily units and 97 townhouses. The plan is in the third round of review and with last activity in October 2025. While rezoning is not required, Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZOBA) approval is necessary because the development has over 100 units.

  • Last month, the Toll Brothers development team initiated a meeting with NeighborUp to understand the Stable Homes Cary Program and explore opportunities to support the Chatham Estates residents through a potential contribution to the relocation fund. Cary is not aware of any additional funding committed to date.
  • Cary’s understanding is that Toll Brothers and the current property owner intend on closing the sale in June 2026. Under North Carolina state law, mobile home park owners are obligated to provide a Notice to Vacate 180 days in advance of eviction. Toll Brothers’ representatives have indicated this notice will be issued Monday, December 29th.
  • NeighborUp and A Doorway to Hope have begun community outreach to educate residents and provide information about Stable Homes Cary resources. Counselors have been on-site several times over the last month and a flyer with counselor information is being distributed door-to-door in person by NeighborUp and A Doorway to Hope staff on Monday, December 29th.
  • Through individual case management, both in the neighborhood and at NeighborUp, counselors will help identify potential housing options, connect residents with resources, and administer relocation assistance disbursement to help meet each household’s needs. People will be eligible to be reimbursed for assistance with moving expenses (moving vehicle rental, mobile home mover, moving materials, professional labor, etc.), housing expenses (rental deposits, utility deposits, renter’s insurance, application fees, first month’s rent, etc.) and/or home purchase expenses (down payments, inspections, HOA fees, homebuying fees, etc.) Households earning at or below 300% poverty level are eligible for the Cary Stable Homes funds. (Currently, 300% poverty level is $96,450 for a household of four.) Funds will be awarded based on need and equitably as households apply. U.S. citizenship status is not a qualifying requirement.
  • Once residents have received the official Notice to Vacate, NeighborUp will disburse assistance for eligible expenses as resident applications are evaluated. NeighborUp will report on program activity and request reimbursement from Cary.

Interview with WTVD ABC11

On Monday evening, I spoke with ABC11 for approximately twenty minutes. Most of the discussion focused on issues surrounding the town manager’s resignation. I was also asked about a supposed conflict of interest, a narrative being advanced by the News & Observer. I want to be clear that I have no conflict of interest.

I appreciate ABC11’s fair and balanced approach in reporting this story.

Q&A on Manager’s Resignation and Other Items

Was the $1.3 million in fraud returned to Cary?

Yes.

Cary was a victim of fraud. While safeguards exist to prevent this type of incident, they were not followed in this case. Through the combined efforts of the Cary Police Department, the FBI, and the bank, the funds were successfully recovered. Specific details regarding how the recovery was accomplished cannot be disclosed.

Why did you pay the town manager’s severance?

The town entered into a contractual agreement with Stegall in 2016. That agreement provided for six months of severance unless he committed a criminal act, a provision that is common in employment contracts nationwide. While his actions were clearly harmful, there is no indication that he committed a crime.

Under the terms of the contract, the severance obligation applied whether he resigned or was terminated. Had the town refused to honor the agreement, Stegall could have pursued legal action and likely would have still been entitled to severance, resulting in additional costs to taxpayers. Prolonged litigation also carried the risk of further harm, including the potential for lies, or public disparagement of the town and its employees.

At this time, there is no evidence that his conduct was technically illegal, though the investigation is ongoing and may provide additional clarity.

While it was difficult to pay a significant sum to someone whose actions caused substantial harm, honoring the contract was necessary and represented the most responsible course of action to protect the town’s legal and financial interests.

Why didn’t you know about the town manager’s behavior?

The mayor and council serve as members of a policy-making board. We are not full-time employees, nor do we maintain offices at Town Hall, and we do not oversee day-to-day operations. Those responsibilities rest with the town manager. This structure is known as the council-manager form of government and is used by most municipalities in North Carolina.

As a result, the manager was able to conceal his actions from the policy board, and I was unaware of his inappropriate conduct until public records requests were submitted this fall. When I first learned of the tuition expense in October, I immediately questioned the town manager about it. At that time, he defended the expenditure, and I was not aware of the full scope of the spending. Notably, he then cancelled nearly all my one-on-one meetings for the following month and a half, until the council placed him on leave.

After a second public records request was released, I went back and looked at the first one and learned that the total amount spent on tuition exceeded $25,000. I then sent an email expressing my concerns and cc’d the council. Shortly thereafter, several staff members, who requested anonymity, provided additional information, including concerns regarding land purchases and misrepresentations about the fund balance.

At that point, I contacted our auditor, Cherry Bekaert, to report what I had learned. This led to Sean’s formal review, which began on November 18 and concluded on November 20, when the council called for his resignation.

Here is my timeline of events for everything I recall:

  • September 1: First record request from A. Williams
  • September 30: A link to records for A. Williams released to council:
    • Council Related Records Folder: emails and receipts for two council members.
    • Staff Related Records Folder: emails and receipts for Stegall and four other staff members
    • Council emails, expenses, and reimbursements for all council members including me
    • Staff emails, expenses, and reimbursements including Stegall
    • Public records can be found here.
  • October 12: Public Records request for texts by A. Williams for all receipts, per diems, reimbursements, etc.
    • None found and presented
  • October 13: I questioned Stegall about tuition at one-on-one meeting
    • Stegall cancels all but two weekly one-on-one meetings with me after that
  • October 30: A link to records for A. Williams released to council, Part 2 (text requests)
  • November 5: I verify land purchase next to Cary Elementary with Wake County Real estate records
  • November 13: Council Quarterly, Stegall says fund balance never was below policy which was a false statement
  • November 14: I called auditor Cherry Bekaert and tell them about what I have heard
  • November 14: I send email to Stegall and council:

“I reviewed this spreadsheet and looked back at previous information for A. Williams.

Based on my observations we have spent over $25,000 on tuition, which concerns me. I expressed this concern to Sean in our one-on-one a few weeks ago.

What is the projected final total for these costs? I am worried that it looks like gifts and favors especially since this is not an option for town employees. I think as a council we need to understand how it gets approved and paid. It is also troubling to me now since we are in the middle of an audit.

We should discuss this at the policy and procedure work session set for December. Thanks”

  • Beginning early November: Several staff approached me anonymously about their concerns:
    • Stegall lying about fund balance policy
    • Stegall elaborate spending including hotel receipts
    • Spending Tuition on a council member when staff doesn’t get the same benefit
    • Land purchase next to Cary Elementary using money budgeted for “smart” improvements to parking decks. Land to be used for affordable housing, a Guardian ad litem project, or open space. Only two council members were aware.  
    • Old library site to be used for affordable housing.
    • Millions of dollars in contracts with friends (a company named G&H) with little or no outcomes (no other details provided to date)
  • November 15: I prepared to convince my colleagues to remove Stegall
  • November 18: Council began annual review of Stegall. At this point I was unable to get council to agree to his removal.
  • November 20: Due to my concerns about transparency, I made a motion in our regularly scheduled meeting that all council meetings, remote and in chambers, should be televised, which was passed unanimously
  • November 20: In a Closed Session meeting Sean asked to resign and is put on leave
  • Week of November 24: Council member pays back tuition
  • December 4: New Council members sworn in
  • December 11: First meeting with new council members
  • December 13: Stegall resigns
  • December 15: Special Meeting to announce Stegall’s resignation

When did you learn about the land purchase next to Cary Elementary?

I learned in early November that two parcels of land adjacent to Cary Elementary had been purchased. I later verified the transactions in July 2024 using the Wake County Real Estate website.

Stegall had authority for up to $1 million in discretionary spending. Because the two parcels were acquired through separate contracts, each individual purchase did not exceed that threshold, allowing staff to execute the agreements without bringing them before the Town Council for approval. Although the parcels are adjacent and likely intended for a single future project, one that would ultimately require Council approval, they were treated as separate transactions.

Stegall directed staff to purchase the parcels separately, which was technically legal. However, the purchases were not disclosed to the full Council. This appears to have been done to avoid public discussion and to accommodate the preferences of a small subset of Council members. The land acquisition is one example of how Sean operated in secrecy and in ways that benefited individual Council members rather than the Council as a whole.

The first parcel, measuring 0.58 acres, was assessed at $149,064 but purchased by the town for $379,000. The second parcel, approximately 1 acre, was assessed at $248,292 and purchased for $686,000. Combined, the total cost of the two purchases exceeded $1 million. The money came from a budgeted item for smart technology for our parking deck.

What changes have you made and will you make?

At the November 20 council meeting, I made a motion, approved by the council, to ensure that all council meetings are streamed and televised. I viewed this as an essential first step toward greater transparency.

Second, the council has eliminated one-on-one meetings. Going forward, informational update meetings with the town manager will include two council members and the mayor, along with three additional staff members. These are referred to as “3 x 4” meetings.

Additional changes will also be implemented in how the budget is reviewed.

Finally, the internal review being conducted by Womble, Bond, and Dickinson is expected to lead to further procedural changes.

Why did you say downtown trolleys were returned when they were not?

Unfortunately, this is very misleading story by the News and Observer. I am surprised that this is what I am being asked to address when there are more pressing issues facing our town.

In the blog post they reference from October 29, 2023, you will see a single statement about trolleys is listed under the work session notes. At that time, I was simply relaying information that staff had presented to the council.

Regarding the trolleys, here are the facts as I understand them. The town manager sent a staff member to accept delivery of the trolleys. That individual was not qualified to determine whether the trolleys met ADA compliance requirements. As a result, the town was placed in a difficult position when we later attempted to return them and the seller refused.

Subsequent negotiations were discussed in closed session, and state statute prohibits disclosure of those discussions. That is why no further details appeared on my blog. In the meantime, the trolleys were stored while the town attempted to resolve the matter.

Ultimately, the trolleys were sold to another community that was aware they were not ADA compliant and chose to purchase them anyway. The sale price was close to the depreciated value. While the town did incur a loss, it could have been significantly worse.

The fundamental error was the manager’s decision to send an unqualified individual to accept the trolleys. Council relies on management to exercise sound judgment and make informed decisions on behalf of the town.

Do you have conflicts of interest?

No.

Under North Carolina law, an elected official has a conflict of interest (COI) only when personal financial interests or those of immediate family members conflict with their public duties. When such a conflict exists, the official must refrain from participating in decisions that could provide personal benefit. State law addresses these situations through specific statutes, including G.S. 14-234.3, which governs nonprofit board involvement, and G.S. Chapter 138A, which establishes broader ethical standards for state and local officials. These laws emphasize transparency, disclosure, recusal when appropriate, and avoiding even the appearance of impropriety, particularly in matters involving contracts or quasi-judicial decisions such as zoning.

Despite this well-defined legal framework, The News & Observer has continued to publish stories suggesting that I have a conflict of interest where none exists. Notably, the publication was unable to identify a single currently practicing municipal attorney, of whom there are at least a dozen in Wake County alone, willing to state that my actions constituted a COI. Instead, they relied on commentary from a retired attorney from Durham, who characterized the situation as “sticky.” Further review of her background suggests she is not widely respected among her peers.

It is also worth noting that many elected officials across North Carolina are employed by engineering firms, yet this has not drawn similar scrutiny from The News & Observer. For example, a Johnston County commissioner works for the same firm with which I contract and currently serves as chair of CAMPO (the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization). All CAMPO members are required to complete ethics training and disclose their employment, a standard practice that promotes transparency and accountability.

Unfortunately, The News & Observer appears more focused on advancing a predetermined narrative rather than on accurately presenting the facts. The result is reporting that prioritizes sensationalism over substance, seemingly driven more by generating clicks than by providing fair and balanced coverage.

Here are the facts:

I own Weinbrecht Consulting LLC and work with WithersRavenel under an hourly consulting contract providing government relations support related to asset management. I am paid only an hourly rate and do not receive bonuses or commissions.

My consulting income from WithersRavenel was $24,404 in 2023 and $23,694 in 2024. In 2025, I expect to earn less than $20,000, although I have not yet finalized my financial summary for the year.

Most of my work involves participating in calls with staff from across the country to discuss how to effectively communicate asset management needs to elected officials. In the past several weeks, these calls have included participants from Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and Washington state.

Another component of my role is traveling nationally to give presentations, often alongside a past national president of the American Public Works Association (APWA) and occasionally assisting with WithersRavenel’s conference booth. The purpose of the booth is to gather sales leads. In the evenings, the marketing team typically hosts those leads at dinner.

During the 2023 ICMA conference mentioned by the News & Observer, I worked at the booth helping collect sales leads. The marketing team asked me to contact Cary representatives to see if they might be interested in attending the dinner, which I did before the event by email and again on the day of the event. That was my only involvement.

It is disappointing that the News & Observer attempted to imply otherwise. This kind of misleading characterization does little to serve readers and may help explain the outlet’s declining readership.

Cary Mayor Rumors for 2027

Rumors that these next two years on the Cary Council will be my last are simply not true. I fully intend to seek re-election and am grateful to have the unwavering support of my family, friends, and constituents.

As the only living Mayor who has led Cary through a recession and some of the most challenging financial times, I see it as both my responsibility and my calling to continue my service on the Cary Council. I am committed to working alongside my colleagues to help guide our community through today’s uncertainties.

I remain dedicated to my oath and to serving as Cary’s Mayor. I’m excited for what lies ahead—tomorrow and beyond.

Mayor’s Mailbox

  • A complaint that I wasn’t doing my job supervising the manager.
  • A complaint that I am “bought and paid for” based on the News and Observer false narrative.
  • A threat based on the News and Observer narrative (Thanks guys – turned that one over to the police).
  • A complaint “you and your team council are no longer trusted to make ANY decision in my opinion.”
  • Suggestions on how I should proceed as mayor.
  • A thanks for my “steady leadership, good heart and fortitude, especially in this challenging time”.
  • A request for a traffic signal at Morrisville Parkway and Highcroft Drive.
  • A complaint about the ICE facility off Evans Road.
  • Questions about Trolleys.
  • A request to have recycling every week (This would require more equipment, more personnel, and more tax dollars. A better solution would be to get an additional recycling bin which we will gladly provide.)

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, media interviews, a council work session, and a council meeting.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, January 11, 2026. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.