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Board approves first reading to extend Historic Downtown Branson Community Improvement District 20 years
Summary
The Branson Board of Aldermen voted to approve the first reading of an ordinance to extend the term of the Historic Downtown Branson Community Improvement District (CID) for 20 years, sending the district toward a later vote on whether to renew its sales tax.
The Board of Aldermen on March 11 approved first reading of an ordinance to extend the term of the Historic Downtown Branson Community Improvement District for 20 years, allowing the district to pursue a later vote to renew the sales tax that funds its services.
The district runs the free downtown trolley and pays for landscaping, Christmas lights, restroom renovations and trolley shelters in the historic downtown area. Kyle Young, speaking for the CID, told the board the downtown SID has provided more than a million passenger rides, paid for restroom renovations and annual landscaping upkeep and helped fund downtown signage and lighting projects.
“That has succeeded, and it was used to form this trolley service,” attorney Greg Dorman said of the CID model, explaining that the ordinance before the board would extend the district’s legal life; a separate vote by qualified district voters would be required to extend the sales tax that funds the trolley and other services. Dorman said the SID sales tax is set to expire in April 2026 and that if the city approves the extension of the district’s legal term the CID board would next seek voter approval for the tax.
CID and downtown representatives said the district raises money used only within the district. Chris Bohink, who has worked with the district, said the board has used excess funds to partner with the city on projects downtown. Bohink told the aldermen the CID currently has an annual projected receipts summary of about $700,000 and—after planned spending—roughly $368,000 in reserve. She also said the CID’s public service agreement with the Downtown Branson Business Association (DBBA) was recently extended for three months and ends at the end of the month.
Property owners and business leaders who addressed the board supported the extension. Tammy Thurman, who owns a building on Pacific Street, said, “The landscaping and the lighting are absolutely beautiful and enhance downtown, and I would hate to see it go away.” Steve Hartley, owner of DICK’S 5 & 10, said the district “absolutely” deserved to be taken to voters for extension because it helps the downtown identity and experience.
Board members asked procedural questions about the process. Dorman said the extension of the district’s legal term is what the board was deciding; only afterward would the CID board decide whether to ask district voters to extend the sales tax. City staff said 380 parcels were notified about the public hearing. Chris Bohink said an earlier check found approximately 32 registered voters in the district, though the number may have changed since the last check.
Questions at the hearing included why the district asked for 20 years rather than a shorter term. Dorman said the SID statute limits an initial district term to a maximum of 27 years; the district chose 20 years originally and requested the same length now.
The board voted by voice to approve first reading of Bill No. 65-28. The ordinance will return for further consideration and the CID would then pursue any necessary voter approval for the sales tax that funds the trolley and other projects.
The public hearing had multiple speakers and both city staff and the CID’s attorney on hand to explain procedure and finances.
