Zoo group eyes water bill roundup

Friends of the Zoo used to receive funding from Dodge City's utility bill roundup program, but that money later went to The Alley teen center instead.
    Now, the nonprofit organization is asking the city to restore that funding.
    The Dodge City Commission is considering changing the current arrangement so that Friends of the Zoo and The Alley each receive half the proceeds from the utility bill roundup program. Alternatively, the entire amount could be dedicated to either of the two organizations.
    In addition, the city may approve an agreement in which Friends of the Zoo would solicit pledges from city utility customers, just as The Alley does now. Those pledges would  appear on the customers' monthly utility bills.
    The commission took its first look at a proposal to modify the current arrangement during a work session Monday night, but took no action.
    "I guess it's a fair way to resolve the issue," said Commissioner Jim Sherer. "I hate to cut The Alley out, but at the same time, I would like to see Friends of the Zoo back in the situation."
    Vice Mayor Kent Smoll said that if the commission approves the change, The Alley could still receive half of the proceeds from the utility bill roundup program.
    "You really haven't hurt them very bad," he said.
    The Alley currently receives about $30 a month through the utility bill roundup program and an additional $615 per month from its pledge campaign, according to information supplied by City Hall.
  For the complete story go to http://dodgecitydailyglobe.ks.newsmemory.com/
   
Reach Eric Swanson at (620) 408-9917 or e-mail him at eric.swanson@dodgeglobe.com.