Judge Rules Columbus Zoo Must Pay Township's Public Safety Fee

Ruling allows Liberty Township to charge the zoo a $0.75 fee per admission to cover fire and EMS costs.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 9:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A judge has ruled in favor of Liberty Township, allowing the municipality to charge the Columbus Zoo a $0.75 fee per admission to recoup costs associated with fire and emergency medical services (EMS) runs to the zoo. The zoo had argued it was exempt from the new state law that permits local governments to collect up to $1 per admission from large venues to offset public safety expenses, but the judge disagreed, stating the zoo qualifies as both a zoo and an entertainment venue under the law.

Why it matters

The ruling sets a precedent that large tourist attractions like the Columbus Zoo can be required to help cover the public safety costs they generate for local communities, rather than passing those expenses on to taxpayers. It also highlights the ongoing tensions between municipalities and major institutions over funding public services.

The details

In 2024, Liberty Township recorded $261,000 in fire and EMS services to the Columbus Zoo. The new state law, which went into effect in 2025, allows townships to charge up to $1 per admission at qualifying event venues such as concert halls, entertainment venues, and theaters to offset these public safety costs. The zoo argued it should be exempt as an animal conservation and educational institution, but the judge ruled that because the zoo also offers public music concerts, boat rides, weddings, and other amusements, it qualifies as both a zoo and an entertainment venue under the law.

  • The new state law went into effect in 2025.
  • In 2024, Liberty Township recorded $261,000 in fire and EMS services to the Columbus Zoo.
  • The township initially voted to charge a $1 fee per admission, but later lowered it to $0.75.

The players

Liberty Township

The local municipality that voted to charge the Columbus Zoo a fee per admission to recoup public safety costs.

Columbus Zoo

A large zoo and entertainment venue that challenged the township's ability to charge the fee, arguing it should be exempt as an animal conservation and educational institution.

Visiting Judge Richard Fry

The judge who ruled in favor of Liberty Township, stating the Columbus Zoo qualifies as both a zoo and an entertainment venue under the new state law.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're grateful the court ruled so clearly: the Columbus Zoo must pay the Protect and Serve Fee to cover the hundreds of thousands of dollars in Fire and EMS services it uses, rather than passing those costs to Liberty Township and Powell taxpayers.”

— Cathy Buehrer, Liberty Township Administrator (abc6onyourside.com)

What’s next

It's unclear if the Columbus Zoo will appeal the judge's decision.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between large institutions and local municipalities over who should bear the costs of public services. The ruling sets a precedent that even major tourist attractions like zoos can be required to help cover their public safety expenses, rather than passing those costs on to taxpayers.