The auditors did flag one material weakness, however. Keenan described it as an oversight where city procedures let some material errors go undetected until the external team found them.

In recent days, AI Data Centers and their impact on local communities have been a topic of discussion everywhere. From the U.S. Congress to state and local governments across the country, it seems that everyone is scrambling to control these centers and their impact. The good news is that in 2024, well before the current frenzy filled headlines and sparked public anger, Branson passed a zoning ordinance setting requirements for operating these centers and protecting our commu

At its last meeting, the Branson Board of Aldermen considered a proposal for $30,000 from the city’s Tourism Tax Contingency Fund to launch the new Branson Christkindlmarkt for this year’s Ozark Mountain Christmas. The proposal was submitted on behalf of the Branson Christmas Coalition by Executive Director Elizabeth Hughes and the producer of Christkindlmarkt, Jenny Caro. Christkindlmarkt will be located in The Shops at Branson Meadows. It will operate for about 15 days in

This was just an initial planning meeting, and no Board action was taken. They will not become effective without further action from the Board.

There are basically two opportunities for eligible commenters to comment or speak during the meeting. The first is to comment on items not on the Regular Agenda for the meeting during the Public Comment portion of the meeting. The second is to speak during the discussion of a Regular Agenda item when it comes up for consideration.

It was noted that the city’s new financial software will allow for even more precise tracking in the future by distinguishing between the month a business collected a tax and the date the business actually pays the proceeds to the city.

Senate Bill 1646 proposes changing how the city spends the revenues raised through its City Tourism Tax.

The Accounting Academy, a nationally attended event, covered a wide variety of topics, including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, preparing financial statements, fund accounting, measurement focus, the annual comprehensive financial report, the annual audit and more.

She said the event will incorporate the red, white, and blue for America’s Patriotic 250th and have a similar format to the one used so successfully for the Fall Fest event, with different colors and other seasonal elements.

The Chief made it clear that this program is not to conduct random sweeps or stop people on the street to ask for papers. It intends to target dangerous criminals who are already victimizing the community.

One challenger and one incumbent announce intentions for the Board of Aldermen in Ward III

Howden shared that his relationship with Alex is not new and is not political convenience.

Howden and his wife are preparing to take ownership of the A&W Restaurant in Branson, continuing their family’s hospitality legacy.

"I believe in servant leadership that protects our past, strengthens our present and prepares Branson for a bright future.

The process for creating the 2026 budget began in June, when city departments began entering their planned spending into the city’s system.