Branson Landing buildings flood-proofed, permitted

Six buildings at Branson Landing are now in accordance with Federal Emergency Management Agency flood-plain guidelines following allegations earlier this year that they received FEMA permits in error.

An investigation into the buildings began in March when the city's planning director at the time alleged they should not have been permitted because they were constructed while the property was still in a floodplain.

The buildings were placed under temporary occupancy permits while the electrical, propane and mechanical systems under the buildings were flood-proofed, City Engineer David Miller reported Tuesday at the Branson Board of Aldermen meeting. All issues have been resolved, and certificates of occupancy for each building were issued July 31, according to a city news release.

HCW Development Co. LLC developed Branson Landing and continues to manage the property.

Also at Tuesday's meeting, aldermen approved on first reading a bill that establishes a property tax rate of $0.4909 per $100 of assessed valuation for the city's 2010 budget year.

The rate is down 4.77 percent from the current levy, because the city's assessed valuation increased 11 percent from last year. When total assessed valuation increases, the city is required by law to adjust the tax rate down, according to the release.