Southwest Missouri News--Branson

by Carol Harris, Branson area, and Mary Engler-Guccione, Joplin area

City of Branson Administrator John Pinch and his staff began taking measures about 18 months ago to minimize the impact that the year 2000 computer problems may have on Branson city government.

"The first thing we did was install a new computer system at City Hall to replace an antiquated system that hadn't been updated in 10 years," Pinch said in a news release.

Pinch said a committee headed by Assistant Administrator Terry Dody is reviewing all aspects of the city's computerized operations, including functions at the treatment plants, police dispatching, computerized diagnostic equipment and the fuel distribution system. Dody said the city has also been contacting its essential suppliers regarding their efforts to ensure that supplies and services to the city will not be interrupted by the millennium transition.