Franklin County residents have voted to continue supporting the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, renewing a property tax levy that has been aiding the zoo since 1985. The measure, known as Issue 2, saw 62% of the electorate in favor of extending the existing 0.75 mill levy for another decade, as per reporting from NBC4i. The renewed levy ensures that Franklin County households will maintain their annual contribution of approximately $11 per $100,000 in property value toward the zoo's expenses.
The Columbus Zoo CEO, Tom Schmid, expressed the importance of the levy in an interview with ABC6, stating, "If the levy did not pass, significant budget cuts would have been necessary." These cuts potentially included staff reductions and the elimination of discounts that were previously afforded to Franklin County residents. With the levy's success, Schmid emphasized its role in keeping ticket and membership prices reasonable and supporting the zoo's community and educational engagements, according to ABC6.
Financially, the levy is expected to generate about $20.5 million annually, constituting a significant portion of the zoo's operating budget. With these funds, the zoo tends to various needs, including animal care, facility maintenance, and nutritional requirements, as well as supporting educational programs. These allocations were outlined in detail on the zoo's website, as reported by The Columbus Dispatch. Despite a recent scandal involving the mishandling of funds by former executives, the zoo has evidently regained public trust in its mission and governance.
Following the turmoil of past mismanagement, the zoo's leadership under Schmid has been marked by a commitment to transparency and community involvement. The levy's renewal comes during a time when the facility is actively challenging additional taxes proposed by Liberty Township, which are designed to fund local emergency services —a contentious issue due to the zoo's nonprofit status. This ongoing legal battle, highlighted in the same NBC4i report, further complicates the already intricate financial landscape the zoo navigates in its efforts to remain a respected conservation and educational institution.
