By BJ Austin
Dallas, TX – This week, the Dallas City Council returns to work after its annual July break. And, a big change at the ZOO is one of the first items up for consideration.
Council members, on Wednesday, will be briefed on plans to turn the zoo over to a special management arm of the Dallas Zoological Society. City officials say the 10.8 million dollar "management fee" paid to Dallas Zoo Management will actually save almost five million dollars this next budget year.
Under the proposal, the city retains ownership of the land. The animal collection, and all revenue from admission, concessions and other programs will be turned over to "Dallas Zoo Management." All zoo employees will be terminated October first, but subject to re-hire by the new management team.
Officials say this private management system is working well in Fort Worth, Houston and other cities. A vote could come as early as next week.