Photo: M. Suhail / iStock Editorial / Getty Images
In Syracuse, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and the Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo have reached an agreement to work together after a contentious period. The dispute began when McMahon requested a $1 million donation from the Friends group for the new Harborview Aquarium. The nonprofit, which supports the zoo, felt pressured and resisted the request, leading to tensions.
The Friends group claimed that the county's subsequent actions, such as proposing to bid out the zoo gift shop and increasing the county's share of revenue from 15% to 40%, were retaliatory. However, McMahon stated that these measures were necessary to ensure taxpayers received a fair deal, as the county subsidizes the zoo's operations.
The disagreement strained a partnership that has existed since 1986. According to Syracuse.com, the Friends group has operated the gift shop for four decades without a competitive bid. McMahon argued that it was time to update this arrangement.
Despite the tensions, both parties are now focused on moving forward. The Friends group will share revenue from memberships and concessions with the county, and the county has dropped the request for the aquarium donation. The Central Current reports that the Friends hope to restore their collaboration with the county.
As the Harborview Aquarium nears completion, Onondaga County officials continue to face scrutiny over the transparency of donor contributions. The county legislature is considering legislation to improve reporting requirements for donations, aiming for a more collaborative relationship between lawmakers and the county executive.