Financial Chaos in Center Mo

The City of Center is facing fines totaling $144,000 for failure to file required annual reports with the state. Center’s Board of Alderman fired City Clerk Tracey Ray Wednesday after discovering financial reports had not been filed for three years or more. Mayor Dennis McMillen says Ray failed to show up to discuss the matter Monday and Tuesday.

Tracey Ray is married to Center Police Chief David Ray. In June, the Board reversed a decision to fire David Ray after the City Attorney said the move violated a Missouri law requiring at least 10 days written notice. Further action on the Police Chief’s status has been tabled for now.