Columbia mayor asks residents, county to oppose $80M Riverbanks Zoo expansion bond
Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann wants Richland County to oppose an $80 million bond to expand the Riverbanks Zoo.
“Richland County, and particularly Columbia, stands at a critical juncture. High property taxes are consistently identified as the primary inhibitor of growth in our region,” Rickenmann wrote in an open letter sent to Richland County Council members and published on his Facebook page.
“Tax increases are paid upfront by businesses and property owners, but the costs are transferred on to the segments of our population that can least afford it. At some point, we must start thinking about the people who live here and remove the barriers enabling their long-term financial health, instead of adding them,” the letter continues.
RIchland County Council is poised to approve an $80 million bond to pay for a major expansion of the Riverbanks Zoo, which would include a new orangutan habitat and a nature preserve among other improvements.
On Tuesday, County Council approved the bond on a second reading 8-3. It requires one more vote before it is officially approved.
Tuesday’s meeting also offered the public a chance to comment on the proposal, and overwhelmingly those in attendance urged the council to support the bond. Zoo members wearing stickers reading “I heart Riverbanks Zoo and Garden” crowded into the council chambers to show their support.
The supporters included Riverbanks’ board members; someone speaking on behalf of the state’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism; business leaders; a former council member; parents and more.
“I care about taxes, too,” said councilman Paul Livingston in explaining his vote. “I do not see this as a tax increase. I see this as an investment.”
The $80 million bond would be paid with property taxes by both Richland and Lexington counties, with Richland County carrying $44.8 million of the bond and Lexington County carrying $35.2 million.
Taxpayers would see an increase of a maximum of $7.20 on $100,000 of assessed property value, with the higher rate beginning in 2025 and reaching its peak in 2026, then decreasing each year until the bond is met, the zoo reported earlier this year.
Richland County rejected the $80 million bond in 2022 but this year has given the bond an initial approval.
“We said no at that time because we take it very seriously when we do anything that increases the burden on taxpayers,” Councilmember Chakisse Newton said during the Nov. 14 meeting in which council gave an initial approval of the bond, 10-1.
Council Chairman Overture Walker was the sole no vote at that time. On Tuesday, Councilmen Jason Branham and Don Weaver also voted against the measure along with Walker.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Walker said he opposed the bond in part because the county will also likely ask voters to support another transportation sales tax in 2024.
“While the zoo’s request is important, I don’t view it as a necessity,” Walker said.
In his letter, Rickenmann urged the County Council to consider alternative funding sources for the zoo’s expansion.
“The decision to raise taxes should be a last resort,” Rickenmann wrote. He suggested leveraging accommodations and hospitality tax revenue, as well as public-private partnerships. His letter also suggests looking for grant opportunities.
“I have spoken with the zoo and attorneys on this issue and there are many other viable alternatives to raising property taxes,” Rickenmann wrote. “I urge you to take the time to examine all options and give them the due diligence they deserve before hiking taxes.”
Rickenmann encouraged residents to share his social media post widely and to call their county representatives to oppose the bond.
The mayor’s full letter can be read on his Facebook page.
Weaver, who represents west-central Richland County including the Forest Acres area, said he agrees with Rickenmann.
Weaver said he voted in favor of the item Nov. 14 so that it would have a public hearing and a full discussion, but he does not agree with approving an $80 million bond for an optional project.
“I know I’m going to disappoint some people,” Weaver said, explaining that he has had some calls from constituents asking him to approve the bond. Weaver added that he signed a “no new taxes” pledge when he ran for council.
“I am a zoo supporter. ... I think it’s great for economic development, but I just think the project is an overreach. It’s $80 million,” Weaver said. “A lot of us on council have said what about a $30 million or a $20 million project.”
Weaver said he also agrees that the project could be paid for differently, but he doesn’t think council has been able to do its due diligence to explore every option.
Earlier this year, the zoo unveiled its new $32 million aquarium and reptile conservation center, as well as other improvements, which included re-adding rhinos to the zoo.
The proposed $80 million bond would pay for the next phase of the zoo’s expansion.
In a statement responding to the mayor’s letter shared by the zoo’s spokesperson, zoo leadership said, “Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a shining example of the power of collaboration. For more than 50 years, the partnership between Richland County, Lexington County, private industry, and individual donors has helped fuel our thriving local economy by supporting the growth and success of Riverbanks.”
The statement continued, “Over the past five decades, there have been discussions around alternate funding options, but these suggestions do not take into account Riverbanks’ enabling legislation that established the Zoo as a special purpose district and a shared investment for the entire community. Riverbanks’ annual economic impact and the quality of life it brings to the Midlands has been made possible by decades of regional cooperation, and we look forward to a vibrant future for our community and their zoo.”
The statement from zoo leadership also notes that the next phase of expansion would raise the zoo’s annual economic impact to more than $175 million, “translating to tangible benefits for our community including job creation, tourism generation and increased educational and recreational opportunities.”
This article has been updated with information from Tuesday’s Richland County Council meeting.
This story was originally published December 5, 2023 at 12:27 PM.
