Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht discussed concerns over Cary's former town manager at a state of the town address on Wednesday. He also talked about a dedication to transparency, Cary's diversity, updates on developments like Fenton and more. You can watch the full address here.

The State of Cary address was held at 8 a.m. Wednesday at the Prestonwood Country Club. It comes after former town manager Sean Stegall resigned in December after being placed on administrative leave following a public records request revealing a series of major expenses that much of the town council, including the mayor, said they were unaware of.   

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Update on investigation into former town manager

Weinbrecht previously said three issues led the town to place Stegall on leave:

  • Over-the-top spending and inadequate financial reporting
    • Lack of transparency with the full council, staff and citizens
      • An unhealthy work environment

        Documents obtained by WRAL News indicate that Stegall spent thousands of dollars at a four-star hotel during a conference in Austin, Texas, in 2023.

        Records also indicate that the town bought land near Cary Elementary School, totaling more than $1 million, against the recommendation of the assistant town manager, and that not every town council member knew of this transaction. 

        In his address, Weinbrecht said the North Carolina State Auditor will conduct a review into Stegall's actions, and the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) will oversee a criminal investigation. Cary Town Council will also conduct an internal investigation led by law firm Womble Bond Dickinson. 

        "The NC State Auditor already has access to what may be hundreds of thousands of records, and we have reassigned staff to support that work," Weinbrecht said. "While the timeline for the review and release of the report is unknown, I welcome and fully support the auditor’s partnership in uncovering the full truth."

        Weinbrecht said the council voted unanimously to remove Stegall from his position in November after "we were presented with shocking information by a handful of heroic staff."

        The mayor has assured the community that town finances are stable despite Stegall's actions.

        "Because the town has consistently maintained a strong financial position, the impact of the former town manager’s actions was limited," Weinbrecht said.

        Commitment to transparency

        In an effort to regain the public's trust following the announcement of an investigation, Weinbrecht said the town's budget will be "wide open" for the public to see and participate in through various events, calling it  "the most robust budget process we've ever had."

        He also said all Cary Town Council meetings will be livestreamed for full transparency.

        "We're going to stream everything we do," Weinbrecht said. "Every council meeting, whether it be remote or in council chambers, is going to be streamed. If you want to see what the council is doing, you have that opportunity."

        He also said he wants to answer any questions about the former town manager, including a "get the facts" website with a portal to request public records.

        "It takes a lot of time and a lot of staff effort to make sure we can get those answers to the public, but that is extremely important to us, making sure we get that information out," Weinbrecht said. 

        Mayor discusses town projects and Epic Games

        Weinbrecht also welcomed two new council members and discussed the town's developments, including the former Cary Towne Center site owned by Epic Games. The site has sat empty for years. 

        "There is no update at this time," Weinbrecht said. "While the owner is required to maintain the property, there is no obligation to pursue redevelopment."

        The mayor mentioned The Pagemore boutique hotel, a new 186-room hotel coming to Fenton, and Alston Yards, a mixed use development that will be located across from Parkside Town Commons along N.C. 55.