Mayor blocked from tax increase by Missouri Statute, restricted to 4% increase

An attempt to raise the city of Branson's property tax levy to (68 cents) per $100 of assessed valuation was thwarted by Missouri's Hancock Amendment. The alteration to the Missouri Constitution limits how much local government's and geo-political entities can tax.

Branson's levy is currently set at .5394 (53 cents) per $100 valuation. Total real property within the city of Branson is valued at $476,434,017 according to the Taney County Assessor's valuation minus Board of Equalization (BOE adjustment which dropped assessment by $15,644.The BOE reviewed more than 1,700 cases during their annual session which ended July 31st.

While the City of Branson's valuation dropped for the first time in 50 years; this is countered by a personal property tax increase over the last several years due to the construction of the Branson Landing and Branson Hills Tax Increment Financed (TIF) districts. While increases in property value are collected and reverted to paying off infrastructure debt; personal property taxes are unaffected in these districts.

Personal property was valued at $54,572,583 presenting an increase in money to Branson's coffers since the TIF districts were created .

Combined property taxes which can be levied to the Branson's leadership dropped $9.4 million.

Since taking office Mayor Raeanne Presley has taxed to the maximum allowed by Missouri law and enacted fee increases across the board.

Regarding the recent 4% tax increase the Branson Board of Alderman issued this official statement:

Aldermen approved a property tax levy of $0.5394 per $100 of assessed valuation in the city limits of Branson that will be collected in 2012.  That’s about 4% more than this year’s property tax, which had a levy of $.5186.  On a $150,000 home in Branson, the city’s property tax next year will be $153.75 compared to $147.80 this year. When the assessed valuation in the city decreases, the city is allowed to increase its tax rate to offset the loss in assessed valuation and the loss in revenues. The city’s assessed property valuation fell more than $9 million dollars from 2010.  "