Great Plains Zoo funding proposal
Summary
The proposed budget would give the zoo $2.5 million from the sales tax fund (accelerated from a five-year schedule into one payment) plus a one-time $4 million from the entertainment tax fund, which unlocks a donor's $10 million match. Council Chair Merkouris supports the vision but wants an alternative funding structure considered.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 1
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 18, 2026.
Impact analysis
A combined $6.5 million city contribution in 2027, partly drawn from fund balances.
The zoo and its capital campaign; roughly half of its 320,000 annual visitors come from outside the community.
None stated, though Chair Merkouris raised concerns that deferred maintenance needs elsewhere in the zoo and across city assets go unfunded in the plan.
Mentions & discussions (1)
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