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Show Hogle Zoo could become taxpayer expense for Utahns CEDAR CITY - According to Representative Haze Hunter (R-Iron and Kane counties) everyone in the state could be paying for the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City after next year. The fate of the zoo will be placed in the hands of the 1983 Utah Legislature to work out funding problems, and some possibilities would include taxes from the entire state. Until recently the zoo has been funded through gate receipts, memberships mem-berships and private donations, as well as contributions from Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County. However, two years ago it became apparent that these sources would not be sufficient to operate the zoo during a period of rapid inflation. Hunter stated that the 1982 Legislature provided temporary funding to support the zoo until a plan for more permanent financing could be found. There are several possible solutions to the zoo problem, several of which could affect taxpayers in Iron County. Among the solutions is one wherein the zoo would become an independent agency directly under the govenor. Also voluntary contributions could be encouraged through a check-off system on the state income tax form. Another possible solution would provide that the state subsidize the zoo through a legislative appropriation to the Utah Zoological Society, similar to that already in arrangement with the Utah Symphony, Ballet West and the Hansen Planetarium. These are only several of the many alternatives under consideration by the legislature, said Hunter. There is much oppsition to all of the above suggestions, and it has been difficult for a legislative study committee to reach a concensus on how to finance zoo operations. It is estimated that at least $1.4 million is needed in government funding fun-ding to continue zoo operations at the present level. Hunter stated that the zoo needed to be preserved, and that this particular zoo is one of the best in the western states. Ultimately, the people of Utah will have to decide, through their legislators, . if they want to have a quality zoo. If the educational, recreational, scientific and environmental en-vironmental contribution of Hogle Zoo is deemed worthwhile, a permanent funding arrangement will have to be developed. |