'Sean's book': New questions over Cary's $150k book by former town manager

A recent state audit of the Town of Cary reveals significant concerns regarding municipal spending. Public records indicate that $150,000 of taxpayer money was directed toward the production of a book about former Town Manager Sean Stegall. The project included a $65,000 payment to a ghostwriter.

State Auditor Dave Boliek described the situation as a culture of extravagant spending. According to the audit findings, the book, titled The Top of the Arc, sold only 266 copies as of May 2026, leaving more than 2,300 copies in surplus inventory. The town currently retains the copyright, but officials confirm the project has not broken even.

Local leaders have expressed confusion regarding the funding source. Mayor Harold Weinbrecht stated in the audit that he and others assumed Stegall was financing the book personally. Council member Lori Bush noted that budget documents failed to clarify the use of public funds for the project, though she accepted responsibility for a lack of oversight regarding the expenditure.

The audit report suggests that information regarding these projects was not shared evenly among council members. Officials now face pressure to tighten financial controls and increase transparency in future municipal projects. The town council is currently reviewing these findings during their recent work sessions to address the gaps in their administrative processes.