Cary Aims for Transparent Budget Process After Town Manager Fallout

Residents say they still trust the town despite financial misdeeds by former manager.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:28pm

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A photorealistic painting of a town hall building in warm, golden light, with deep shadows across the facade, conveying a sense of civic pride and stability despite recent challenges.Cary's budget open house aims to restore trust in local government after a scandal involving the former town manager.Cary Today

After Cary's town manager resigned last fall amid allegations of financial mismanagement, the town is pledging a more transparent budget process, including a new budget open house where residents can provide input. While the town faces tough choices on taxes and services, residents say they trust Cary to emerge from the scandal as a model of government accountability.

Why it matters

The town manager's resignation and allegations of financial misconduct have shaken trust in Cary's local government. The town's response, including an independent investigation and new budget transparency measures, will be closely watched as an example of how a municipality can rebuild credibility after a scandal.

The details

Cary commissioned an independent investigation into the former town manager's activities and submitted to scrutiny from state and local authorities. They also set about responding to over 80 public records requests. Most recently, the town debuted a new budget open house to explain the municipal budget to residents and gather their input.

  • Last fall, Cary's town manager resigned amid allegations of financial mismanagement.
  • In February, Cary's mayor pledged the town would have the 'most robust budget process we've ever had' in response to the scandal.
  • On Tuesday, Cary held its first budget open house for residents.

The players

Harold Weinbrecht

The mayor of Cary, who pledged the town would emerge from the scandal as a national model for government accountability.

Danna Widmar

Cary's assistant town manager, who explained the trade-offs involved in the town's budgeting process.

Michelle Craig

A Cary town council member who said the town must either raise taxes or cut services.

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What they’re saying

“This budget process will probably be the most robust budget process we've ever had.”

— Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor of Cary

“It doesn't change my trust, because I think the town is bigger than one person.”

— Patrick Murray, Cary resident and volunteer on the Information Services Advisory Board

“You either raise taxes or you take something away.”

— Michelle Craig, Cary town council member

What’s next

The town will release the full results of the budget survey completed by residents at the open house. Cary's town council will also continue to weigh budget priorities and determine if a tax increase is necessary to maintain service levels.

The takeaway

Cary's response to the town manager scandal, including a new focus on budget transparency and resident input, could serve as a model for how local governments can rebuild trust after allegations of financial mismanagement or misconduct.