Neighboring county rejects Toledo Zoo property tax

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (AP) — A neighboring county has said no to asking voters to consider a property tax to support the Toledo Zoo.

Zoo Director Anne Baker says Tuesday’s decision in Wood County means the zoo will have to look into possible price increases and cutbacks.

County commissioners voted 3-0 against placing a levy on the November ballot which could have provided the zoo with $2.44 million in operating money. The Blade of Toledo reports many who spoke at the meeting said they loved the zoo but not the idea of the tax.

Voters have supported a zoo operating levy in Lucas County, which includes Toledo. But Baker says the amount of money generated by that tax has been declining because of falling property values.