Riverbanks Zoo and Garden was one vote away Dec. 12  from an $80 million bond to fund extensive upgrades. And that vote went through in spite of vocal opposition from Columbia’s mayor.

The zoo sought the 20-year general obligation bond from the Richland-Lexington Riverbanks Park District, the joint arm that helps fund the tourist attraction that straddles the two counties along the Saluda River. Now enacted, it gives the zoo $44.8 million from Richland County and $35.2 million from Lexington County, with Riverbanks reporting that it will add an estimated maximum of $7.20 per $100,000 of assessed property value to the property tax paid by residents, with that impact starting in 2025.

Lexington County Council passed third and final reading for the bond on its end Dec. 6, with Larry Brigham and Charli Wessinger casting the only dissenting votes.

Richland County Council took up third and final reading on the bond Dec. 12, after Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann voiced his disapproval for the measure in the form of a Dec. 5 open letter, encouraging local voters to contact their county representatives to push them to vote against.

“The decision to raise taxes should be a last resort,” Rickenmann writes, pointing to alternative funding sources such as local accommodations and hospitality tax revenue, which are designed to support tourism and cultural assets. “We must exhaust all other funding avenues before placing additional financial burdens on our citizens.”

Council approved the bond despite Rickenmann’s objections at the special called meeting, with Council Vice Chair Jesica Mackey and Member Don Weaver casting dissenting votes.

Ahead of the vote, Riverbanks pushed back on this notion of alternative funding.

“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 zoo said in a provided statement, emphasizing the $175 million economic impact it says its Bridge to the Wild expansion plan would bring, with the next round of funding set to pay for “a one-of-a-kind primate forest and restaurant along the banks of the Saluda River, a South Carolina nature preserve highlighting some of state’s most charismatic animals, as well as an aerial tram system with a birds’ eye view of the Saluda and surrounding skyline.”

“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,” the zoo said. “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.” 

After the vote, the zoo issued a release thanking the councils and the citizens of its two counties for their support.

 "The annual economic impact and the quality-of-life that Riverbanks brings to the Midlands has been made possible by five decades of regional cooperation,” Riverbanks CEO Tommy Stringfellow is quoted. "We are grateful for this next step and will continue to work with the Councils and other leaders in the community to explore ways to maximize community impact while minimizing cost to the taxpayer. The Zoo will celebrate 50 years in 2024, and we look forward to building a Bridge to the Wild to ensure a brighter future for our community wildlife and wild places."

Ahead of the Dec. 12 vote, Richland County Council Member Gretchen Baron indicated that the zoo had agreed to some special deals for residents of the two counties in light of the tax increase property owners there will shoulder to pay for the bond. 

Riverbanks Public Relations Manager Matt Perron called those deals (20% off of general admissions and free parking for those individuals who live in Richland and Lexington County, select free-after-3 p.m. days in July and August for residents of the two counties, more Free Fridays throughout the year to include the spring, summer and fall) "options we proposed not as a requirement to get the bond but as possible extra incentives for the citizens," later providing an update from Lochlan Baskin Wooten, the zoo's chief operationg officer.

"Riverbanks will continue to offer residents of Richland and Lexington County several incentives including Free Fridays, free admission for school approved field trips, and discounted tickets for SNAP recipients," she said in a statement. "The details surrounding additional incentives mentioned by Councilwoman Barron are still being developed."

This is a developing story and will continue to be updated.