Payson alters power for mayor, council

PAYSON — City leaders Wednesday changed who reports to whom without altering Payson's form of government.

City manager Richard Nelson had been reporting to the City Council but now will report to Mayor Rick Moore, who becomes the city's chief executive officer. However, the council retained veto power over decisions the two make.

In December 1997, the City Council stripped the office of mayor of its authority to make decisions, vesting that power in itself and the city manager. Last month, Payson resident and lawyer Jonathan Jaussi said that severely limited the mayor in representing the people of Payson, and he urged a change in the form of government.

Jaussi had suggested restoring the mayor as the city's CEO or possibly face a referendum in November. He also suggested making the change by resolution and by putting the proposal on the November ballot. Instead, the council opted to simply amend the ordinance governing municipal government.

— Rodger L. Hardy