Admission Fee Hike At Brookfield Zoo?
BROOKFIELD, Ill. (CBS) -- A battle over taxes is underway in Brookfield, and it could mean you will pay more to go to the zoo.
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The Brookfield Village Board has just approved a new amusement tax, which could raise admission fees.
Trustees say it could rake in about $500,000 a year, for all sorts of purposes.
But the zoo claims its admissions can only be used for zoo operation and maintenance.
The battle now moves to Springfield, where Illinois state lawmakers will decide.
Meanwhile, 11 jobs are being cut at the zoo to help close a $1.3 million budget shortfall.
The Chicago Zoological Society announced the staff reductions on Monday, citing budget adjustments and reductions that it says are necessary to ensure financial stability in 2011. The staff cuts bring the society's workforce to a 15-year low. The society says the staff cuts don't include positions that deal with animal welfare or public safety.
The society also announced wage freezes for non-union workers, the elimination of paid internships along with reductions in seasonal labor, operating expenses and leadership salaries. Two animal exhibit yards are to be closed and the animals sent to other accredited institutions.
The zoo and the Chicago Zoological Society are operated under the auspices of the Cook County Forest Preserve District.
