Providence weighs ceding zoo control

August 16, 2004|Associated Press

PROVIDENCE -- The city is in talks that could result in it ceding control of Roger Williams Park Zoo to a private group.

The city and the Rhode Island Zoological Society share financial and operational responsibility for the zoo. The arrangement means society employees manage city workers, and some senior staff members are paid by both the society and the city.

A forensic audit ordered after an employee in the Parks Department admitted embezzlement, as well as an earlier study by a consulting company, faulted the current setup as inefficient and rife with conflicts of interest.

The consulting company, Public Financial Management, said the hybrid structure crimps long-term planning and forces taxpayers to pay for an expensive zoo.

It recommended that the city turn over the zoo to the society virtually lock, stock, and barrel.

Mayor David Cicilline said the society and city are evaluating their longstanding partnership. He would not rule out the society's assuming much greater responsibility for the zoo. At least $58,000 is missing from the Parks Department, according to the mayor.

A forensic audit found at least 39 ''off-the-books" accounts that were kept outside the city's financial system and the system's safeguards against theft and misspending.