Branson Mayor Larry Milton declared the accomplishment's the city has enjoyed along with a hopeful future during his State of the City address on Tuesday.
Milton talked about Branson's past year and set expectations for the current year. The city had success overall and is expected to repeat success. "As we begin 2024, our city government's financial position is accelerated beyond our expectations," Milton said.
He pointed to cumulative sales revenue, which he stated is "up 9.4% over this time last year." They are over an "all time high" of last year.
Branson's mayor also highlighted the collection of sales revenue already coming in for the year. They are 31.3% higher than that of 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism revenue in Branson trends positively.
Milton said the start of this year has close to a 5% increase over 2023 and that of 10% over projections for the 2024 budget. Christmas was mentioned too.
The mayor explained that the "active championing" of adding to the city activity during Ozark Mountain Christmas compared to 2023 has paid off. Milton underlined some of the city government's successes:
1. A new fire station is almost complete and is funded without Branson barrowing money. The mayor used that as evidence that the public safety tax works.
2. Branson offset and maximized the usage of tax money by going after state and federal grant money. Milton pointed to the Compton Wastewater Treatment Plant Flood Protection project. The project is over 70% finished.
The mayor added that flood protection will be accomplished while "saving local Branson taxpayers over $13 million." He also revealed new things for Branson's Parks and Recreation Department.
The department hopes to use a Rescue Plan grant totaling $1.6 million to upgrade the Rec Plex with synthetic turf, LED lighting and shading. The city will match the grant by 50%. The upgrade isn't just fun and games.
Milton said that the upgrade is anticipated to double the facility's economic impact "to nearly $36 million for our local economy." Furthermore, the department is making "a 10-month outdoor playing season" and attracting families engaging in youth sports from February through the month of November.
"Importantly, our city staff ensured this project was delivered on time and on budget," Milton said. To celebrate, the facility will host a grand opening on April 5.
Milton listed the following goals for 2024:
1. Attracting new economic development and housing.
2. Encouraging businesses to expand and modernize.
3. Increasing the satisfaction of customers who engage with the city government.
4. Implementing critical infrastructure projects for 2024.
5. Fueling engagement and transparency with residents and the community.
6. Building a good relationship with Hollister and Taney County.
7. Truly opening Branson for business by eliminating government red tape and upping efficiency and citizen interaction.
Milton presented another win for Branson. The Public Works and Engineering Department is totally staffed. That will allow for projects to finish within the budget and timeframe.
Earlier in the speech, Milton spoke about how the city has "reprioritized" spending money. The budget for this year has money going into public safety, new water lines, fire hydrants and more. He said that's meant to up the safety and a chance to lower insurance premiums.
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