Branson finances in 'good, stable' condition, director says

The city of Branson's sales tax revenue is up 3.1 percent for the year to date, according to city Finance Director Lori Helle.

At the city's Board of Aldermen meeting Tuesday, Helle reported on finances between October 2008, when the fiscal year began, and April. The city's tourism tax revenue on theaters, lodging and restaurants, is down 4.2 percent. Overall, total revenues outpace expenditures by $2.6 million, according to a city news release.

The city remains in "good, stable financial condition," Helle said in the release.

In other business, the board approved a cost-sharing agreement between the city and the Missouri Department of Transportation for $200,000 in trail and sidewalk projects. One project will connect Highway 76 at Fall Creek southward to the trailhead of Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area, and a second will connect Shepherd of the Hills Expressway northwest to a trail being built in The Woods development.

Branson Public Information Director Jerry Adams also made a presentation about the proposed Citizens Academy during the meeting. The academy, designed to give citizens an up-close view of daily city operations, will comprise nine weekly meetings beginning in June. Planned activities include tours and visits with representatives of different city departments.[[In-content Ad]]