Branson pushes through $42 million budget

The new budget is just 2.2 percent above the current level because no large capital improvements are planned, said City Administrator Terry Dody in a news release.

Expenditure increases are due to a 17 percent rise in employee health insurance coverage and staffing for the new Branson RecPlex, Dody said.

The board also extended for a third year a contract with the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce to advertise and market Branson. The chamber receives 25 percent of the city’s tourism tax, or $2.5 million annually, for marketing efforts. This year completes a three-year agreement, and city officials say the contract will go out for bid next year.

Meanwhile, another city contract issue is under consideration. The board votes in two weeks to renew for a third year Jefferson City lobbyist Rodney Gray’s $35,000 annual contract. Gray represents Branson’s interests on legislative issues at the state level.

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