Branson clarifies SIMCOG agreement for comprehensive-plan consulting; open house set July 29

The Board of Aldermen approved an addendum to the city’s agreement with the Southwest Missouri Council of Governments (SIMCOG) to clarify duties and contracting for third-party planning consultants as part of Branson’s comprehensive-plan update.

Planning lead Mark Kloskol told the board the addendum clarifies that SIMCOG — not the city — will enter contracts with third-party planning consultants who will supplement SIMCOG and city staff. He said the project is roughly midway through and that the approach is intended to streamline invoice processing and clarify responsibilities. The board voted 6-0 on the amendment.

Why it matters: the comprehensive plan lays out long-term development strategy for land use, housing, transportation and parks. Kloskol summarized outreach to date, data analysis and steps remaining: information gathering, studies and analysis, documentation, policy formation and implementation. He said the first open-house public meeting is scheduled for July 29 at the convention center’s Fall Creek Room from 3 to 7 p.m., and materials are posted at bransonmo.gov/plan.

Kloskol presented mapping and survey findings, including a note that only about 47% of property tax bills for city properties are mailed to a Branson ZIP code, a data point staff used to understand resident and owner geography. He said the comprehensive-plan committee has conducted SWOT analysis and “kitchen table” conversations and will soon issue an RFP to select a planning consultant; the city will retain final authority to select the consultant.

The addendum does not change the public engagement schedule; it primarily addresses procedural contracting details so SIMCOG can manage consultant agreements and invoicing. The board voted 6-0 on the amendment and will receive additional updates as the plan’s goals and implementation strategy are drafted.