But the city is holding back.

Officials say the documents are drafts and, as such, are not available through the state's Government Records Access and Management Act.

But Turley did get one hint: All city departments using the service could be charged for it. That would generate more revenue for the financially beleaguered system.

However, private consultant Doug Dawson, in an e-mail to iProvo's interim director, said charging other departments was only a "Band-Aid at best," and other options had to be considered for a permanent fix to wean iProvo off city subsidies.

Turley said he wants to hear what those other options are, and he fears that the city administration may try to hold them back.

"I'd like to know the complete, unvarnished appraisal of things," he said.

He's disturbed by a line in Dawson's business-evaluation proposal that said the consultant would work with the city to keep the candid report "out of public scrutiny" - until a version could be released to the public.

Dawson said that was not meant to withhold information about alternatives. Rather, he said it was to protect proprietary information and mask the identities of people consultants would recommend firing.

Municipal Council Vice Chairman George Stewart said the council will formally request the reports.

dmeyers@sltrib.com