Branson audit finds no major problems

Cochran Head Vick and Co. presented its annual audit findings to the board, providing the city its “unqualified,” or clean, opinion, according to a city news release.

No illegalities or improprieties connected with city finances were found, and the firm reported that the city’s assets exceeded its liabilities by more than $140 million. Tax revenues also expanded at an unprecedented pace, according to the report, because of tax-increment financing in the Branson Landing and Branson Hills Plaza developments.

Also Monday, the board approved a bill to hire a Jefferson City lobbyist to represent the city in the state legislature.

Out of 10 Jefferson City lobbyists who responded to a request for proposal, R.J. Scherr and Associates was awarded a five-year contract for $28,800 annually, according to the release. The firm represents more than 25 clients including McDonald’s Corp., Missouri Library Association and Missouri Concrete Association.