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Commissioners approve Columbus Zoo renewal for November ballot; one abstention recorded
Summary
The board adopted Resolution 50525 to place a 10‑year renewal (no tax increase) to support the Columbus Zoo on the Nov. 4 ballot. Zoo CEO Tom Schmidt outlined reforms and education programs and said funds help keep admission prices low and support student programs.
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners voted July 1 to place a 10‑year renewal levy to support Columbus Zoo services and facilities on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot.
Tom Schmidt, president and CEO of the Columbus Zoo, told the board the zoo has undertaken internal reforms following earlier leadership problems, including new financial controls, whistleblower policies and a merged, restructured governing board. Schmidt said the zoo will invest hundreds of millions of privately raised dollars over the next decade on a multi‑park master plan but that the county levy helps support daily operations, veterinary care and educational programs.
Schmidt said the proposed renewal carries no tax increase and estimated the cost to Franklin County homeowners at about $11.20 per $100,000 of property valuation. He said community access programs — including free passes for schools with high levels of free‑lunch eligibility and deeply discounted memberships for SNAP/EBT participants — depend in part on levy funds.
Commissioners praised the zoo's transparency and reforms and asked about voter outreach and partnerships. One commissioner disclosed a conflict (spouse is a zoo appointee) and abstained from the vote. The board moved to adopt Resolution 50525; the motion passed with two yes votes and one recorded abstention.
Resolution outcome: Resolution 50525 adopted; Commissioner O'Grady recorded an abstention.
Next steps: The renewal will be certified for placement on the Nov. 4 ballot and subject to voter approval.
