LEXINGTON, S.C. — The Lexington County Council made some moves on Tuesday that will impact funding for the Riverbanks Zoo and recruitment for EMS and sheriff deputies.
A few weeks ago, county council proposed a 60 percent cut to funding for the zoo.
While the county typically gives $1.3 million, the budget cut would knock it down to $500,000.
The zoo says with that funding, they would possibly have to cut jobs and end certain free admissions.
At Tuesday’s budget session, the council approved a motion giving $750,000 instead. Councilman Todd Cullum says the number would be a point of reference heading into the future.
“We’ll consider the $750,000 for this year as a baseline," said Cullum. "Next year, when they come in and make their request, they can make a request made off that baseline above or below."
Councilwoman Erin Long Bergeson says the council needs to meet later on to talk about future funding with the zoo.
“I’d like to request that we make a schedule after the budget is over because I think we need to not guarantee anything," explained Bergeson. "I think we need, for their purposes, I think we need to have a reduction schedule moving forward that way they can plan on that.”
The council also approved a motion to give 13 paid holidays for Emergency Medical Services workers and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.
EMS and Deputies hope this will help with recruitment to bring more workers to the county.
There will be a public hearing starting at 6 Tuesday night at the Lexington County Administration Meeting, where you can give your input on the budget.
News 19 will be at the meeting and will have reaction from the community at 11.