HCS HB 2297 -- KANSAS CITY ZOOLOGICAL DISTRICT

SPONSOR:  Zerr (Molendorp)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Tourism by a vote of 10 to 0.

This substitute authorizes the establishment of the Kansas City
Zoological District which may be composed of the counties of
Cass, Clay, Jackson, and Platte at the option of the voters of
each county.  Each member county may impose, upon voter approval,
a sales tax of up to one-quarter of 1% for the financial support
of zoological activities within the district.  The district will
be governed by a commission comprised of one member of the
governing body of each county that is part of the district; one
member of the Kansas City, Missouri Board of Parks and
Recreation; and five members of the executive committee of the
Friends of the Zoo, Incorporated, one of which will be the
executive director.

The administrative expenses of the district incurred during the
first six months after its creation must be appropriated to the
commission by the member counties; thereafter, the district will
be financed by the sales tax revenues collected and deposited
into the newly created Kansas City Zoological District Sales Tax
Trust Fund.  Five years after its creation, the commission will
be authorized to borrow money for the construction, operation,
improvement, and maintenance of zoological facilities.  The
commission must submit an annual report to the governing body of
each member county; the Kansas City, Missouri Board of Parks and
Recreation; and the Friends of the Zoo, Incorporated detailing
the commission's operations and transactions.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2011, FY 2012, and
FY 2013.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill allows the four
counties in which Kansas City is located to establish a regional
district to provide additional revenue for the zoo and increase
tourism.  This revenue will allow the zoo to expand
infrastructure and animal habitats for a better experience and
hopefully be equal to the zoos in Omaha and St. Louis.  During
the poor economy in 2009, attendance at the Kansas City Zoo
increased 18% because it's an affordable, all-day family
activity.  When the Royals play in Kansas City, attendance
increases because people who are in town for the game often also
go to the zoo.  A zoo is a vital asset for tourism.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Molendorp; and Randy
Wisthoff, Kansas City Zoo.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

OTHERS:  Others testifying say that the City of Kansas City has
passed a resolution supporting the bill.

Testifying on the bill was Bill Bates.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 14, 2010 at 3:13 pm