Have you seen the Zoo levy signs out and about? Wondering what they are all about? Well, I had a conversation with the “people in the know” and got the skinny. If you have further questions please check out their site: www.keepyourzoogreat.com. Your comments are welcome, but please remember I am not a politician. I am putting this here for informational purposes only, not to sway you one way or the other. 🙂
YOUR ZOO – AN INCREDIBLE COMMUNITY ASSET
- Your Zoo, owned by Columbus and Franklin County and operated in partnership with nonprofit Columbus Zoological Park Association, helps drive the community’s economy, educate residents of all ages, and make our region and world a better place.
- Millions of visitors every year. In 2014, a record 2.9 million – nearly half from Franklin County.
Lifelong Learning
- More than 300,000 children and adults enjoy Zoo educational programs each year.
- Hundreds of presentations in schools, colleges, health care facilities, senior centers and to civic groups
- Up-close animal experiences with keeper talks, shows, summer zoo camp and more
Substantial Economic Benefits
- More than $222 million in total annual local economic impact (nearly $195 million directly from the Zoo)
- More than 2,200 jobs (FTE’s) and nearly $84 million in family income depend on the Zoo and employees who work with the Zoo.
Animal Care at the Heart of Your Zoo’s Mission: to lead and inspire by connecting people to wildlife
- Your Zoo cares for more than 10,000 animals from 575 species from around the world.
- Important global wildlife and conservation work is funded with private grants, donations and events.
KEEPING YOUR ZOO GREAT – WITH NO TAX INCREASE
- This year, your Zoo will ask Franklin County to renew a 0.75 mill levy for ten years.
- The levy provides 25% of your Zoo’s revenue. A renewal will maintain critical funding with no tax increase.
- The 2015 levy renewal will preserve the tremendous educational, economic and community benefits – with no tax increase – and protect the Zoo our community takes pride in and loves.
- Levy support of Franklin County residents since 1985 makes your Zoo the gem it is today.
The levy dollars are only for the current zoo and its community programs
- Not a new satellite zoo. Not for the Wilds.
- The levy does not support Safari Golf or Zoombezi Bay, and we all benefit from overall economic impact.
- Global conservation efforts outside your Zoo are paid for with private contributions – not your levy dollars.
- It’s also not a tax increase and not continuing (10-year renewal levy).
Recognizing Franklin County’s levy support
- Membership and admission prices increased this year – but not for Franklin County residents.
- $2 pricing for Franklin County school field trips and half-price admission three days every week for all county residents.
- Free in-county education programs and discounts for all seniors.
With No tax increase, the renewal levy provides critical funding to keep your Zoo strong and up-to-date.
- The levy keeps Zoo services and educational programs up-to-date.
- It will help upgrade and replace facilities, focusing on the oldest buildings and exhibits.
- It provides for the staff, food, and welfare of the animals in our care.
- It protects your investment by constructing new exhibits that improve animals’ homes, public views, and opportunities to connect with wildlife – and help drive attendance, education, and economic benefits.
- The cost – which is not a tax increase – is less than $2 a month per $100,000 of assessed property value.
WITHOUT THE LEVY RENEWAL ENORMOUS CUTS WOULD BE NECESSARY
The current Zoo levy is set to expire this year, so renewal is essential to operate, maintain and improve the Zoo.
The levy is 25% of your Zoo’s annual revenue ($18 million/year). Its loss would mean substantial cuts, including:
- Reduced number of animals and exhibits
- Staff layoffs and reduced operating hours
- Reduced community education programs
- Limited repairs and maintenance of existing buildings and habitats
- No additions, upgrades, or new exhibits
