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Council approves 20-year lease and up to $900,000 in support for Emerald Zoo and Sanctuary
Summary
After staff described a negotiated 20‑year lease with oversight and reporting conditions, the council approved a lease agreement that commits up to $900,000 from the city (structured over multiple years) and requires quarterly reporting, audits and a $50,000 nonprofit reserve for emergencies.
The Amarillo City Council approved a 20‑year lease agreement with the Emerald Zoo and Sanctuary that formalizes a long‑term public‑nonprofit partnership and includes a city commitment of up to $900,000 to support operations and capital projects over a structured timeframe.
Donnie Hooper, speaking for staff, said the agreement was the result of months of negotiation and emphasized accountability provisions built into the contract: quarterly reports, annual audits, comprehensive inspections and recapture rights. "This shared investment, the city's committing up to $900,000 to this," Hooper said, adding that the nonprofit would also maintain a roughly $50,000 emergency reserve to address urgent issues.
Councilmembers asked how the $50,000 emergency reserve would operate, whether the nonprofit would hold the reserve, and how the funds would be reported. Staff responded the reserve would be held by the nonprofit and that the contract includes reporting and communication requirements so the city would be notified if the reserve was tapped. One councilmember noted the arrangement would free up roughly $300,000 a year that the city previously used to subsidize the zoo.
The council adopted the motion to approve item 5.6 after discussion and a voice vote. The city manager and staff emphasized the decision aims to preserve the facility while allowing a nonprofit partner to expand fundraising capacity and operations.
What’s next: Staff will implement the reporting and audit schedule specified in the lease and begin the process for the nonprofit to receive the first disbursement in accordance with the contract schedule.
