COLUMBIA — Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens is poised to get a green light on plans to build a nature preserve with a new orangutan habitat, upgrade the tigers' living conditions and expand parking, transportation and vending options.
The vote came a year after Richland County Council first rejected the zoo's $80 million bond proposal.
The bond fell short in a 6-5 vote in July 2022 when council members questioned whether it would have been worth the property tax increase. But on Nov. 14, the zoo won support for its expansion plans in a 10-1 vote.
"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 meeting. Now, Newton said the return on the investment is worth giving the zoo a shot at generating its goal of more than $175 million in revenue.
"It's a jewel that we have, and I'm happy to support the zoo tonight," Newton said.
The show of support comes after several phases of the zoo's expansion plans, which included the post-pandemic return of the white rhino exhibit and the opening of the $10 million Darnall and Susan Boyd Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center in March. It also comes shortly after council members in Lexington County said they would like to see the zoo's plans come to fruition.
Still, the bond proposal estimates an increase of $7.20 on $100,000-valued property in 2025, which would decrease each year until the 20-year bond expires. In Lexington County, property taxes would go up to $4 per $100,000 home value after 2025. Some Richland council members, though openly supportive of Riverbanks, were still cautious about issuing the bond. Chairman Overture Walker cast the sole "no" vote.
A new Desert Biome is part of the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center at The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Provided
"I support the zoo's expansion plans ... but I think it's an inopportune time," Walker said. "I also think there's another way to pay for this," suggesting that they use a capital sales tax instead. If it's a major tourist attraction, he added, "let the tourists pay for it."
The bond is not quite a done deal, it depends on a public hearing — set for Dec. 5 — and two more votes. Most council members said while they support the idea, they're open to discussing it further and getting input from county residents to see how they might ease the potential tax increase.
In the month following the March 2 opening of the reptile exhibit and aquarium, Riverbanks brought in more than 110,000 visitors, more than the zoo had seen since pre-pandemic years, spokesperson Matt Perron said in April.
If the bond is approved, the zoo plans to develop a multi-purpose building that would extend to the riverwalk and serve as a restaurant with a viewing deck during the day and an event venue after hours, Riverbanks President and CEO Thomas Stringfellow said. The planned facility will be open to the public, via the riverwalk.
