Osage Beach Board approves budget carryover for city park and drainage projects

In the heart of Osage Beach, city officials gathered on March 6, 2025, to address pressing matters concerning the community's infrastructure and budget. The Board of Aldermen meeting unfolded with a focus on two significant projects: the city park bathroom addition and the Summit Circle drainage improvement project.

The meeting began with a discussion about the city park project, initially slated for completion in 2024. However, due to delays, the project was not finished as planned. City officials proposed a resolution to carry over the remaining budget from 2024 into 2025, ensuring that the funds allocated for the bathroom addition would not be lost. Alderman Osteen raised questions about the accounting process, seeking clarity on whether the total cost would be reflected in the 2025 budget or if it had already been partially paid in 2024. The response confirmed that this was merely a carryover, not an increase in the overall budget.

With a motion to approve the resolution swiftly passed, the board moved on to Bill 25-16, which amends the 2025 annual operating budget to include increased expenditures for city park maintenance and the bathroom addition. This bill also passed its first reading without opposition, signaling a commitment to enhancing community facilities.

Next on the agenda was Resolution 25-06, which addressed the Summit Circle drainage improvement project. Mayor Drew Bowen explained that easement concerns had delayed the project, but those issues were recently resolved, allowing work to proceed. Alderman Rucker inquired about the contract awarded to 4 Seasons back in October, expressing concern over the validity of the pricing given the delay. The mayor reassured the board that the contractor was ready to commence work at any time.

As the meeting concluded, the board's decisions reflected a proactive approach to managing city projects and budgets, ensuring that Osage Beach continues to develop and maintain essential community infrastructure. The discussions not only highlighted the challenges faced but also the collaborative efforts of city officials to navigate these hurdles for the benefit of their residents.