Board removes businesses from Christmas bill before passing

The final version of the resolution, passed unanimously, states only that the board supports the city’s Ozark Mountain Christmas celebration.

Two removed sections of the original bill urged Branson businesses to “try to keep the word and spirit of ‘Christmas’ in Christmas and to foster the history and heritage of the traditional American Christmas,” and to display Christmas decorations during Branson’s Ozark Mountain Christmas.

The amendment was made after more than an hour of public discussion during which seven people spoke in favor of the initial bill and two spoke against it.

Also at its meeting, the board gave final approval to the hiring of executive search firm Slavin Management Consultants, based in Norcross, Ga., to find a new city administrator. Slavin will be paid $13,000 plus expenses for the search, which is expected to take about six months.

The board also approved a contract with Olathe, Kan.-based ETC Institute to conduct a citizens survey regarding local government. The survey will cost $8,250 and will be conducted early next year.