Gail Meyer spoke on behalf of the Branson Lakes Area Lodging Association begging the Board of Alderman to practice intellectual honesty regarding the illegal use of the Tourism Tax funds.
Best described as "cute", Meyers noted the use of tourism tax dollars was in violation of Missouri law. Statute requires tourism tax dollars be allocated toward marketing. The lodging association sought counsel who was asked if it was legal to use tax dollars for the expenditure. Meyer's reported the organization's specialist answered , "No, and referenced a very hot place."
Meyer's also threatened to come back next year and offer another three minute lecture which served as little threat to a board which has shown little respect for the law.
Alderman Cris Bohinc said she couldn't remember why she voted against the expenditure last year but she trusted Alderman Sandra Willams and wanted to support her efforts. Mixing pleasure and business, Alderman Sandra Williams, Cris Bohinc and Mayor Raeanne Presley are known to hold regular meetings at Willams. home.
In addition to disregarding the illegal nature of the expenditure, Presley said she didn't have any problem with the money going out as a no-bid contract at Empire District Electrics request.
Click the link below to listen to full audio of debate at city hall
City of Branson Illegally Allocates Funds to Invest in Lights
