Board & Authority Meeting | Zoo Authority - Aug 3, 2026

The Wayne County Zoological Authority held a meeting on August 3, 2026, primarily to approve the annual millage levy and tax rate request for the 2026 tax year, which is a routine procedural action to comply with state law. The millage rate has been adjusted according to the Headlee Amendment, with no changes or surprises reported. Additionally, the board discussed the potential receipt of small business taxpayer exemption distributions from the state of Michigan, which could provide approximately 1% of collected funds to support the authority's operating expenses. Legal counsel explained that while the authority is eligible, final distribution depends on the Treasury Department's approval and additional documentation. The funds, if received, could be used to offset operating costs and potentially support the zoo directly. No formal vote was taken on this matter as it was an informational discussion. The meeting also briefly addressed a recent train derailment incident at the zoo, noting minor staff injuries and ongoing investigation. No other procurement or contracting decisions were made during the meeting.