$125 MILLION - TAX MONEY TO ZOO!

Did I mention that the voters just recently approved a $65 MILLION bond for the zoo to make improvements? My mistake. . . It was actually $125 MILLION of tax money for the zoo. (In case you are wondering, I know that my husband and I voted YES on this issue.) Here is the rundown from the Multnomah County Elections:

SAFETY; CONSERVE, RECYCLE WATER
Question: Shall Zoo protect animal health and safety; conserve,
recycle water; issue $125 million in general obligation
bonds; require independent audits?
If the bonds are approved, they will be payable from taxes on
property or property ownership that are not subject to the limits
of Sections 11 and 11b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution
Summary : Measure will:
• Provide more humane care for animals: update four outdated
and undersized enclosures with larger, more natural and
safer spaces.
• Protect animal health and safety: modernize Zoo’s substandard
45 year old animal clinic determined deficient by the
American Zoo Association.
• Increase access to conservation education: provide more
space for summer camps, classes and hands-on learning for
kids, adults, and families.
• Improve water quality: replace the Zoo’s 1950’s sewer
system, reducing pollution by separating sewage from storm
water, harvesting runoff for reuse.
• Conserve, reuse water: install water recycling filtration systems;
replace leaking, worn-out plumbing, irrigation systems,
saving 11,000,000 gallons of water annually.
Improvements will meet sustainability standards.
Accountability requirements include:
• Internal audits
• Annual independent financial audit published in newspaper
• Citizens’ oversight committee to monitor spending and recommend
project modifications if needed
Bond cost estimate less than 9 cents per $1,000 assessed
value per year. The average home owner in the region pays
$1.40 a month. Bonds mature in 21 years or less.

Hmmmm. . . did anyone note the additional spaces to be included? I ask, "Why in the world can't a nursing room be a part of this??" What are your thoughts? It's our money after all.