A verdict made in a lawsuit filed against the City of Branson three years ago results in a judgment of $30 million against the city. 

According to previous reporting from Legends 1063, the lawsuit was filed by Cushman Properties, LLC related to an annexation of property off of what is now Highway 376 on Branson's west side that took place back in 2001. According to a statement released by Cushman Properties, the company was asking for the award for inverse condemnation of the property due to the failure of the city to provide water service to the property. That failure, according to owner David Cushman, prevented his company from developing the property. 

In a press release issued on Monday from Ashe Law Firm, LLC, the company representing Cushman in the lawsuit, Attorney Ric Ashe said the city had agreed to supply adequate water to the land in exchange for Cushman selling waterfront property that became part of the Branson Landing. According to the release, water is only available to around 90 of the 292 acres of land in that area. The release adds that City rejected a development proposal in that area in 2018 but did later agree to make improvements in that area only to abandon the plan in 2022.

In response, Branson City Administrator Cathy Stepp tells the Branson Tri-Lakes News that the city completely disagrees with the ruling and will be filing an appeal. 

More information on the story can be found on the Branson Tri-Lakes News Website.