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Branson holds public hearing and first reading of proposed 2026 budget; city staff projects modest tax growth
Summary
During a public hearing Oct. 24, Branson finance staff presented the submitted 2026 budget and capital program, projecting conservative sales- and tourism-tax growth and proposing a 1% cost-of-living adjustment plus merit increases. Aldermen approved the bill on first reading, 6-0.
Branson finance staff presented the city's proposed 2026 budget and capital program during a public hearing and first reading of bill 66-18 on Oct. 24, urging a cautious revenue outlook and targeted personnel adjustments.
Allison Lisonbee Ramsey, presenting the staff report, said the budget assumes a 2% increase in sales-tax revenue over 2025 and a 4% increase in tourism tax revenue. The submission uses conservative estimates after mid-year fluctuations; Ramsey said tourism revenue is currently running above the budgeted level but the city budgeted a smaller increase to avoid overprojection.
The proposed personnel assumptions include a 1% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for all city employees and a 4% merit pool intended to concentrate larger raises on top performers. Ramsey said health-insurance costs were budgeted to rise by 10% and workers' compensation by 5%, with commodities and contractual services averaged at a 5% increase.
Department-level totals in the submitted budget included: mayor and board, $126,530 (12% decrease); city administration, $988,552 (5% increase) to cover a planned comprehensive plan contract; city clerk, $711,517 (new passport-processing activity); municipal court, $260,007; legal, $1,404,000; finance, $1,454,189 (14 positions); human resources, $1,070,380; information technology, $1,436,851; planning, $1,939,711 (noted to include TIF-development staffing and contracts); fire, $9,331,476 (22% increase, 61 positions, and funding for a training facility); police, $11,148,468 (19% increase, two additional positions); parks, $4,388,706 (2.4% decrease); public works, $9,835,429 (1% decrease); and utilities, $19,978,193 (4% increase).
Alderman Autumn Schultz, Alderman Glenn Howden and others probed revenue-line detail, asking why some fund pages did not show the headline percentage increases; Ramsey explained that different funds include blended revenue sources (franchise taxes, transfers, miscellaneous revenue and TIF outflows) that reduce a simple percentage read across an entire fund. Ramsey also said unpredictable miscellaneous lines (for example convention-center miscellaneous revenue) were held flat pending year-end results and would be revisited in first-quarter budget adjustments.
On personnel policy, Ramsey and HR staff explained the 1% COLA combined with merit funding is intended to preserve the ability to direct larger increases to higher-performing employees; the city conducted a recent wage study and adjusted pay ranges, staff said.
After the presentation and questions, the board closed the public hearing, conducted a first reading of bill 66-18 and voted 6-0 to approve the bill on first reading. Ramsey said the final reading is scheduled for Nov. 25, 2025.
