The Scottsbluff City Council approved a three-year support agreement with the Riverside Zoological Foundation (d.b.a. Riverside Discovery Center) that raises the city’s annual contribution and establishes a $50,000 contingency fund.

City staff described the agreement as an effort to help the zoo meet Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) standards and said the initial contribution increases from $300,000 to $350,000. The contract includes a one-time $50,000 contingency held by the city that the zoo may access by written request and payment through the city’s claims process upon council approval.

Staff and councilors discussed termination language tied to a “substantial decrease” in reported sales-tax revenue used to support payments. One councilmember pressed for clarity about the definition and time period for a substantial decrease; staff explained the clause contemplates a decline of approximately one-third over a three‑quarter period and noted any reductions or renewals would come back to council for action.

Shaston Marshall, a recently seated board member with the zoo’s foundation, said board members are considering fundraising and contingency plans and described ongoing efforts to diversify revenue. Council members urged the zoo to continue fundraising, noted benefits of progress toward AZA accreditation, and discussed the contingency fund as a means to help the zoo reach accreditation benchmarks.

After questions and comment, councilors moved, seconded and approved the agreement and authorized the mayor to sign.