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Council approves zoo construction contract after debate on bids and schedule
Summary
The council approved awarding the Abilene Zoo improvements contract (recommended: Sidalgo Construction Services, approx. $24.63 million) after discussion about bidder selection, construction timing and potential lost revenue during construction.
The Abilene City Council voted to award a construction contract for major improvements at the Abilene Zoo, advancing a project funded primarily by a voter‑approved $15 million general obligation bond plus additional society/foundation support.
Jesse Potenbaum, the zoo director, told council that the project will take about 500 days (roughly a year and a half) and that staff expects the first units to be available in spring 2026. He warned that construction could dent seasonal fundraising and guest revenue and estimated that construction impacts could reduce about 25% of certain seasonal fundraising…
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