City committee gives preliminary approval for zoo budget increases

By Bridget Thoreson
Journal Times

Monday, August 4, 2008 10:52 PM CDT

RACINE — The Racine Zoo would receive an annual budget increase under a measure adopted by a city committee Monday.

The Committee of the Whole voted unanimously to grant the Racine Zoological Society an increase of 2.5 percent per year through 2012 at its meeting held at City Hall, 730 Washington Ave.

“I think everyone’s appreciative of what happens at the zoo, and everyone’s appreciative of what you have done,” said Alderman Timothy Friedel of the 10th District.

The committee meeting was held Monday, instead of its regular time today, because today is National Night Out, a community event for crime and drug prevention.

Jay Christie, president and chief executive officer of the society, gave the committee members a 2008 State of the Zoo presentation. He pointed out that the society’s agreement with the city has not kept up with inflation, which has grown 11 percent since 1989. By comparison, in that time the cost of veterinary services has increased 238 percent, he said.

Every year for the last five years, he said, the zoo has ended up with a deficit of about $164,000.

But there were some positive numbers. For example, in the last 18 months membership has gone up 50 percent, and the zoo has made $284,000 in revenues from charging admission, Christie said.

“The zoo continues to be a credit to the community, and not just the community but throughout the region,” Christie said.

He asked the committee members to give the zoo $50,000 a year, and provide an annual increase at the rate of the Midwestern Consumer Price Index.

He also said the Lakeview Park Community Center, 201 Goold Street, could be used for more activities.

Alderman Aron Wisneski of the 12th District pointed out that the city owns the animals, grounds, and buildings of the zoo.

“This is a thing that really does bring people into our city, and raises the quality of life,” Wisneski said. “This zoo is ours, and it’s a gem.”

The measure will go before the City Council for approval. The council has its next meeting

Aug. 19.

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