The City of Osage Beach had a productive year in 2024, making a significant capital investment of $5.7 million to fund vital services, equipment purchases, and infrastructure upkeep. The year concluded with the approval of the 2025 Operating Budget, which aims to build on the progress achieved over the past year. This report offers an overview of the city's achievements in 2024 and a preview of what to expect in 2025.
Economic Development
The City continues to partner with state and regional agencies and organizations to acquire grants and reimbursements for an estimated $5.9 million in 2025, up from $1.3 million in 2024. However, the primary source of municipal revenue for operating reserves and capital projects is sales tax. Sales tax collections in 2024 totaled $6.3 million, reflecting a 6.9% increase over 2023.
Consistent growth in sales tax revenue and responsible economic development are crucial cornerstones for the advancement of our community. Development remained healthy in 2024, with total construction by private developers within the City of Osage Beach valued over $72.7 million.
Initial phases of construction at the $400 million Oasis at Lakeport development have progressed since groundbreaking in mid-2024. The first phase of restaurants and amusement rides are slated to open later in 2025. The second phase, slated for 2026, includes a full-service Marriott hotel and conference center with restaurants, pools, pickleball courts, spa and fitness center.
The $60.3 million Preserve at Sycamore development, a 268-unit apartment community, has opened 2 of its 10 planned residential buildings, with the remaining buildings expected to open by the end of the 2025. Notable business highlights include the newly opened sports facility LOZ Sports Training and the aquatic amphitheater in progress at Backwater Jacks.
Services
Osage Beach Police Department
In October 2024, the Osage Beach Police Department introduced a K9 unit to enhance its operations. The department remains committed to community outreach efforts, including programs like Shop with a Cop and the Special Olympics Missouri Polar Plunge, aimed at increasing awareness and visibility of the department. Looking ahead to 2025, the department is nearing full strength with a recruit scheduled to graduate from the academy in mid-March. This new officer will fill the position of Officer Phylicia Carson, who tragically lost her life in a crash during a pursuit on August 31, 2024.
Osage Beach Parks and Recreation Department
The Osage Beach Lowe’s Bark Park at City Park has quickly become a popular spot for both locals and visitors since its grand opening in October 2024. Made possible through a partnership between the City of Osage Beach and Lowe’s, the 1.2-acre park was funded by a $50,000 Lowe’s Hometowns materials grant. Improvements will continue in 2025 with the addition of pavilions.
In 2024, the Parks Department introduced a gaga ball pit, and a new Frisbee golf course will open in summer 2025. A full calendar of events is planned, including a new movie night at City Park. Notably, 2025 will mark the 10th annual Easter Egg Hunt and the 25th anniversary of the Fall Festival.
Additional improvements at City Park include slope stabilization that was completed in late 2024.
Infrastructure
Osage Beach Public Works & Engineering Departments
Public Works completed substantial upgrades in 2024, including the rehabilitation of two sewage lift stations and the installation of a Vapex odor control unit. In 2025, the department will implement additional odor control measures using advanced microbial solutions.
The extension of Osage Beach Parkway between Lazy Days Road and Executive Drive was completed in 2024 in partnership with the Missouri Department of Transportation and the Osage Beach Special Road District (OBSRD). This project improves traffic flow safety and access to local businesses. Construction of a new welcome sign is also underway, with a message board to broadcast city and state alerts expected later this year. 
Work continues on the Osage Beach Road project (also partially funded by the OBSRD, as is the Goldie Pearl Boulevard sidewalk), which involves new curbs, gutters, sidewalks and pavement along a half-mile stretch. Upcoming transportation projects include signal upgrades at Hwy. KK, Dierbergs, and the Osage Beach Outlet Marketplace, as well as crack sealing on various road sections. A $1 million U.S. Department of Transportation Safer Streets research grant will help the City identify necessary road safety needs as our community grows.
In 2024, the City successfully completed its annual Fall Leaf Collection in just one month. The first storm of the 2025 season also saw successful road treatment and snow plowing, with public roads being cleared and treated on a 24/7 basis, making Osage Beach one of the first cities in the region to declare roads passable.
In the area of water infrastructure, the exterior cleaning of three water towers was completed in 2024. Looking ahead, the Nichols Road water main project is expected to be completed by early summer, and land for a new east side well is expected to be acquired later this year.
Additionally, the construction of a Veterans Memorial at City Hall is set to begin in the spring, with completion expected by Memorial Day.
Osage Beach Airports
Lee C. Fine Airport is scheduled to receive a full runway repaving this spring, with the project funded through a 90/10 cost split with the Federal Aviation Administration. The City’s total out-of-pocket costs are $432,949 out of a total amount of $4,329,496. Runway 4-22, which spans approximately 6,497 feet, will be repaved, all runway lighting replaced, and an additional beacon light installed. At Grand Glaize Airport, a new roof was installed at Airport Hangar #14 last year.
Future Goals
The City’s priorities in 2025 remain focused on meeting growing infrastructure demands, delivering superior services to the community, quickly disseminating information to the public, good governance and maintaining fiscal responsibility. The City of Osage Beach will continue to support community growth and strategically pursue economic development in the years to come.