Branson aldermen renew $65K in contracts with nonprofits

The Branson Board of Aldermen last night renewed contracts with five nonprofit organizations totaling $64,500 to provide services to city residents.

Aldermen approved the second year of two-year agreements with:

• Ozarks Area Community Action Corp. – $6,500 to provide temporary emergency assistance for the needy, often at the direction of city staff;
• Free Medical Clinic of the Ozarks – $3,500 to provide assistance with non-narcotic medications, particularly when the absence of these necessities create life-threatening situations;
• Women’s Crisis Center of Taney County Inc. – $10,500 to create a 24-hour shelter, a need identified by the Branson Police Department as officers respond to domestic violence calls;
• Christian Action Ministries – $21,500 to provide temporary emergency assistance for the needy, in particular food goods, often at the direction of city staff; and
• Branson Arts Council Inc. – $22,500 to provide citizens, especially children, opportunities to experience the fine arts at a minimum cost.

Branson Economic Development Director Garrett Anderson said the city accepts applications from nonprofits every other year, and after committee review, the aldermen vote on funding recommendations each year.