Zoo Files Appeal Challenging Surcharge Legality On Feb 13, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium submitted an appeal to the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas seeking to overturn a prior order that forced the zoo to add a “protect and serve” fee to each ticket [1]. The appeal argues the court erred by classifying the zoo as a “qualifying event venue” and by permitting the township to collect a per‑visitor charge [1]. The zoo contends the surcharge is improper and requests a reversal of the decision [1].

Township’s Fee Origin and Reduction Details Liberty Township trustees initially approved a $1 surcharge on general admission tickets in July, then lowered it to 75 cents before implementation [1]. The fee was slated to begin at the end of August to help offset emergency‑service costs incurred at the zoo [1]. Township Fiscal Officer Rick Karr reported more than 100 EMS calls to the zoo this year, totaling about $350,000, and noted the zoo draws roughly two million visitors annually [1].

Legal Basis Cited by Both Parties House Bill 315, enacted in April 2025, authorizes Ohio municipalities to charge up to $1 per admission ticket for public‑safety expenses, originally targeting large entertainment venues [1]. Liberty Township asserts the bill also covers the zoo, justifying the surcharge [1]. The zoo argues that the legislation does not apply to its operations and therefore the township lacks authority to impose the fee [1].

Previous Lawsuit Sought Immediate Halt In August, the zoo filed a lawsuit demanding a court order to delay the surcharge and to have the court rule that House Bill 315 does not apply to the zoo [1]. The suit sought an injunction against the township’s fee and challenged the legal foundation of the charge [1]. This earlier action set the stage for the current appeal filed in February [1].