Comments on: A new zoo review http://monoblogue.us/2007/05/26/a-new-zoo-review/ I've presented news and views from Maryland's Eastern Shore since 2005, but my writing can be found at several conservative websites. Fri, 25 May 2012 03:19:14 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Joe Erwin http://monoblogue.us/2007/05/26/a-new-zoo-review/comment-page-1/#comment-36301 Joe Erwin Mon, 02 Jul 2007 13:54:36 +0000 http://monoblogue.us/?p=492#comment-36301 I have visited the zoo, but not recently, and I do not know enough details about its financial base; but I have had substantial experience with zoos and nonprofits, and I know that it is unwise to rely too heavily on municipal funding for support. I also have found that admission fees are not always the best way to go. When I was in charge of a zoo facility in the Chicago area, we were able to raise $600,000 in a year in entry donations, which was more than our budgeted operating expenses for that facility. When a compulsory fee was imposed, attendence and income declined. You need to examine your mission and goals. Your goals should include education, conservation, science, and recreation--with the entertainment and amusement parts of recreation the least important in terms of purposes--they should be used to attract people in order to advance the main purposes. Feel free to contact me. I'll be glad to help. I have visited the zoo, but not recently, and I do not know enough details about its financial base; but I have had substantial experience with zoos and nonprofits, and I know that it is unwise to rely too heavily on municipal funding for support. I also have found that admission fees are not always the best way to go. When I was in charge of a zoo facility in the Chicago area, we were able to raise $600,000 in a year in entry donations, which was more than our budgeted operating expenses for that facility. When a compulsory fee was imposed, attendence and income declined. You need to examine your mission and goals. Your goals should include education, conservation, science, and recreation–with the entertainment and amusement parts of recreation the least important in terms of purposes–they should be used to attract people in order to advance the main purposes. Feel free to contact me. I’ll be glad to help.

]]> By: First Comes The Idea...Then Comes The Screw That http://monoblogue.us/2007/05/26/a-new-zoo-review/comment-page-1/#comment-29676 First Comes The Idea...Then Comes The Screw That Sun, 27 May 2007 19:21:56 +0000 http://monoblogue.us/?p=492#comment-29676 [...] Campbell told Michael Swartz’ Monoblogue that Salisbury city taxpayers are the only taxpayers supporting the zoo, even thought it is used regionally. “I would like to see businesses,perhaps the chamber and Greater Salisbury working together to capitalize a fund at the Community Foundation to provide perpetual operating support for the zoo. I would also like to see a small admission fee, maybe $1…” [...] [...] Campbell told Michael Swartz’ Monoblogue that Salisbury city taxpayers are the only taxpayers supporting the zoo, even thought it is used regionally. “I would like to see businesses,perhaps the chamber and Greater Salisbury working together to capitalize a fund at the Community Foundation to provide perpetual operating support for the zoo. I would also like to see a small admission fee, maybe $1…” [...]

]]> By: Delmarva Dealings » Blog Archive » How Many People Visit the Zoo? http://monoblogue.us/2007/05/26/a-new-zoo-review/comment-page-1/#comment-29663 Delmarva Dealings » Blog Archive » How Many People Visit the Zoo? Sun, 27 May 2007 17:42:15 +0000 http://monoblogue.us/?p=492#comment-29663 [...] Why would zoo officials, or city officials, quarrel with the institution of a $1.00 admission fee? Admittedly, the $1.00 is arbitrary. Michael Swartz takes a slightly different and less arbitrary tack. Based on 50,000 visitors per year and an admission of $3.50 for adults and $1.50 per child the zoo would raise approximately $125,000 per year. [...] [...] Why would zoo officials, or city officials, quarrel with the institution of a $1.00 admission fee? Admittedly, the $1.00 is arbitrary. Michael Swartz takes a slightly different and less arbitrary tack. Based on 50,000 visitors per year and an admission of $3.50 for adults and $1.50 per child the zoo would raise approximately $125,000 per year. [...]

]]> By: First Timer http://monoblogue.us/2007/05/26/a-new-zoo-review/comment-page-1/#comment-29632 First Timer Sun, 27 May 2007 13:44:26 +0000 http://monoblogue.us/?p=492#comment-29632 Excellent timely post, Michael. It's time for candid consideration of "how much zoo" and how much taxpayer funding is appropriate. I suggest cutting back now and limiting future growth of the zoo, even if private funding becomes available, because that may not be permanent. If a large endowment is ever obtained, then the situation can be reviewed and changed if a larger zoo can be sustained without more taxpayer funding by Salisbury property owners. Campbell and Cohen deserve credit for facing the real problems and not simply whining and sweeping them under the run for another year. We have got to have better priority in spending tax revenue, and the zoo should be demoted in that ranking. Excellent timely post, Michael.

It’s time for candid consideration of “how much zoo” and how much taxpayer funding is appropriate.

I suggest cutting back now and limiting future growth of the zoo, even if private funding becomes available, because that may not be permanent. If a large endowment is ever obtained, then the situation can be reviewed and changed if a larger zoo can be sustained without more taxpayer funding by Salisbury property owners.

Campbell and Cohen deserve credit for facing the real problems and not simply whining and sweeping them under the run for another year. We have got to have better priority in spending tax revenue, and the zoo should be demoted in that ranking.

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