Branson aldermen approved on first reading a bill authorizing the refinancing of up to 39-million dollars in municipal bonds connected with Branson Landing. Low municipal bond rates are expected to save the city 4-and-a-half million dollars over the life of the bonds.

Aldermen also approved the 2013 city budget on first reading following a public hearing. The budget includes some 600-thousand dollars in capital costs and a 25-percent reserve balance in the general fund.

The board also gave first reading approval to several annual bid renewals, as well as an agreement for professional engineering services for the Highway 76 Complete Streets Project.