Public‑records requests revealed that several Cary town employees scheduled weekly Friday‑afternoon blocks labeled as “practice” or “yoga” in their official email calendars. The appointments, which took place during regular business hours, were part of a secret dance rehearsal program that culminated in a performance at the town’s 2024 retreat in Wilmington.
Calendars expose the rehearsal schedule
Calendars from twelve staff members—including an assistant town manager, a department director, and Cary’s chief strategy officer—show recurring Friday slots marked as “practice” or “yoga” at a yoga studio on Colonades Way. The blocks began more than three months before the retreat and continued on a weekly basis.
Cost to taxpayers and audit findings
The North Carolina Office of the State Auditor released a 2,600‑page audit earlier this year that documented the internal video and performance. According to the audit, the video production cost the town more than $34,000, a figure that critics have called a waste of tax dollars.
Leadership changes and criticism
Former town manager Sean Stegall, who championed the project, resigned last year amid allegations of excessive spending. Stegall has not responded to multiple requests for comment from WRAL. In the weeks following the audit’s release, top town officials declined to comment on whether they supported the video’s creation.
Town’s response and new transparency measures
In response to the audit, Cary officials announced several reforms aimed at increasing openness. The town now livestreams all council meetings and work sessions that fall under open‑meeting laws, regardless of location. The retreat video itself was livestreamed earlier this year, allowing residents to view the performance directly.
Community reaction
Some Cary residents expressed disappointment, labeling the expenditure as unnecessary. Others appreciated the town’s effort to be more transparent about its operations and finances.
While the dance rehearsals sparked debate, the town’s subsequent steps toward greater transparency demonstrate a commitment to accountability and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
