At the September 8 Meeting, the Branson Christmas Coalition brought forth a proposal for a Branson Christkindlmarkt event to be held at the Shoppes at Branson Meadows. Branson Christmas Coalition Executive Director Elizabeth Hughes requested $30,000 from the city’s Tourism Tax Contingency Fund to help launch the new event.
While expressing support for the concept, Alderman Glenn Schulz raised concerns about whether tourism tax funds could legally be used to purchase physical assets. Schulz noted that state law generally restricts the use of tourism tax revenue to marketing and promotional purposes.
Hughes responded that the festival huts could be viewed as a marketing tool because they would help create the event’s visual appeal and visitor experience. However, she agreed to work with city staff to ensure the proposed use of the funds complies with applicable state guidelines.
While expressing support for the concept, Alderman Glenn Schulz raised concerns about whether tourism tax funds could legally be used to purchase physical assets. Schulz noted that state law generally restricts the use of tourism tax revenue to marketing and promotional purposes.
Hughes responded that the festival huts could be viewed as a marketing tool because they would help create the event’s visual appeal and visitor experience. However, she agreed to work with city staff to ensure the proposed use of the funds complies with applicable state guidelines.
A revised request is expected to be heard by the Board during this evening’s meeting which begins at 6:00 at City Hall.
