The fate of furry and feathered residents at the Oregon Zoo is hanging in the balance as a hefty $380 million bond measure is set to appear on the May ballot for Portland-area voters. The proposal, which was given the green light by the Metro Council this February, marks the institution's first financial ask from the public purse since 2008 when a $125 million bond was heartily endorsed by 60% of voters, as reported by OPB.
If voters decide to optimistically give the thumbs up to this move, the bond would carry on to impose a tax rate of 8.5 cents per $1,000 of taxable property value, without bringing any additional burden to the property owners in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. In fact, for homes assessed at $400,000, this translates to an annual tax hit of $34 – precisely no more than what they're currently paying, provided that the bond skates through the approval process.
In the run-up to the election, passionate calls to support Measure 26-244 are echoing throughout the community. Advocates underscore the importance of upgrading the zoo's aging infrastructure, which is crucial for the health and well-being of the animals. According to supporters quoted in OregonLive, “This measure would help the Oregon Zoo replace aging infrastructure that affects animal health and well-being, including heating, cooling, electrical systems, fresh water for pools and sewer drainage systems.”
The proponents are zeroing in on the humane aspect, underlining that the animals housed at the Oregon Zoo "deserve continued high quality and humane care." The bond, if passed, is slated to deeply invest in not only the veterinary and general care but also habitat enhancements to ensure that the zoo's 1,500 animals don’t just survive, but emotionally and physically thrive.
