Title
To endorse Issue 15, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium renewal levy, on the November 3rd ballot.
Body
WHEREAS, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium cares for more than 10,000 animals from 575 species from around the world and serves as a major community asset attracting millions of Franklin County visitors and tourists each year; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium provides educational programs for 300,000 children, adults and seniors each year and consistently gives back to the Franklin County community through special membership and admission pricing, community events and donations; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has a 222 million dollar annual impact on the local economy; and employs more than 2,200 jobs (FTE’s) and nearly 84 million dollars in family income depend on the Zoo and employers who work with the Zoo; and
WHEREAS, the Zoo’s current 0.75 mill levy is set to expire at the end of 2015, and maintaining this levy is critical as it is 25 percent of the Zoo’s annual revenue; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is seeking a ten year renewal of this levy; and
WHEREAS, this renewal levy will not increase taxes for homeowners but will allow the Zoo to maintain its current operations and will help keep our Zoo great; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this council does hereby endorse Issue 15, the 0.75 mill renewal levy on the November 3, 2015 general election ballot for the support of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.