By Quinn O’Hara

On March 5th, the Clay Center City Council held their regular meeting.

Topics discussed include the city’s half-cent sales tax, the Clay Center Community Life Center, the city’s youth soccer program, and appointing Audrey Waid as the new Municipal Judge.

Council Member Phil Kasper reported that the half-cent sales tax the city collected in the month of December was $55,790.70. Kasper notes that December’s totals are usually higher than other months, so the council is always looking forward to seeing the totals.

Council Member Kasper also reported that the Clay Center Parks & Recreation Department has had 320 players sign up for this year’s youth soccer season and expressed his appreciation for Parks & Rec Superintendent Patrick Hayes’ efforts in expanding and strengthening the department.

City Attorney Dustin Mullin reported that the city has been requested by the Director of Grow Clay County to select an architect by April for the upcoming Community Life Center project.

The Council then unanimously selected Audrey Waid, who is the current Executive Director for Clay County Child Care Center and Clay County Head Start, as the new Municipal Judge. Mayor Thatcher stated that her previous experience as a legal counsel was a deciding factor in the selection.