( CINCINNATI, OH ) -- A proposed levy was voted on by Hamilton County Commissioners that would have raised property taxes to help fund the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Discussions had taken place for weeks and a levy review committee had submitted a report to the commissioners, saying they didn't believe levies for non-essential services should be passed at this time.
Ultimately, commissioners agreed that now was not the right time to pass a levy for the zoo when other levies for more essential services could be coming up this or next year. The levy did not pass, and now, taxpayers will vote in May on whether or not to keep the current tax level.
Commissioner Denise Driehaus says that children and elders are her top priorities, and she believes passing a levy for the zoo may take money away from services that could benefit those groups. Commission President Todd Portune also pointed out that commissioners have no discretion when it comes to passing a levy for the Public Library, so that also weighs in on any decisions for levies.