Navajo County approves sale of Clay Springs Community Center to local nonprofit

The Navajo County Board of Supervisors voted to approve the sale of the Clay Springs Community Center to the Clay Springs Heritage Foundation on a voice vote during its regular meeting.

Brian, a county staff member who presented the item, said the county purchased the building about 10 years ago from the Show Low Unified School District and has since leased it to the foundation, which uses thrift‑store proceeds and volunteer support to maintain operations. "This group has requested the opportunity to purchase the building from the county and continue operating the building as a community center," Brian said. Staff recommended that the board support the transfer.

Supervisor 1 moved to approve the purchase (mover identified in the transcript as Speaker 1) and Supervisor 2 seconded the motion; the board approved the transfer by voice vote. After the vote, community representatives — including Eleanor Malcolm, who identified herself as president of the Clay Springs Heritage Foundation — thanked the board for the decision. "We appreciate it so much, and we've loved working with you guys," Malcolm said.

The board characterized the purchase as a positive outcome for the Clay Springs community, noting the building’s role as a gathering place for events, meetings and local celebrations. No additional terms of the sale or purchase price were stated during the discussion.

The board moved on to other business after the presentation and brief public thanks from foundation members.