Branson City Administrator Dody leaves abruptly

Dody’s last day on the job was July 31. He spent 10 years with Branson, including more than seven years as city administrator.

Branson Public Information Director Jerry Adams could not comment on the specifics of the separation agreement approved by the board in closed session, other than to say it was mutual, and that a severance package was offered.

Under the severance package terms, which Springfield Business Journal obtained through a records request, the city will pay Dody $151,278 and will comply with all required group health insurance continuation procedures. Among other stipulations, the agreement says that Dody agrees to never again be employed by the city in any capacity.

Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley was unavailable to comment on Dody’s departure, but she said in a city news release that it was “a positive move for everyone involved.”

“We appreciate the long hours and diligent effort provided by Dody during a very dynamic and demanding period in our city’s history,” she said in the release.

Dody led the city through a time of rapid economic development that brought to life such projects as the $420 million Branson Landing retail district and the Branson Convention Center, which is scheduled to open Aug. 17.

“Those projects would have never happened without the leadership of Terry Dody,” Adams said.

Frank Schoneboom, assistant city administrator for three years, is serving as interim city administrator.

A search committee is being formed to replace Dody.

This story originally appeared in SBJ’s Aug. 1 free e-news Daily Update. Click here to register.