The county's debt review committee already gave the bond a positive recommendation, but Hendrickson said he's not comfortable making a decision until he sees the county's complete debt situation.

Zoo officials are positive their fortunes will turn this year.

"Great cities always have great zoos, and in order to have a great zoo, the public has to be a part of that," Parkin said.

The Tracy Aviary will be competing with the Hogle Zoo for bond dollars on the November ballot.

The aviary wants a $19.5 million bond to fund the second phase of its four-part master plan, said executive director Tim Brown. Additional walk-through exhibits, an entryway plaza and indoor space would be built in the core of the park if the funding is approved.

The bond would add about $2.50 to the annual property tax bill on a $235,000 home in Salt Lake County. If approved, renovations are expected to spur increased aviary attendance and philanthropic support, which would make the aviary more self-sustaining, Brown said.

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Contributing: Rebecca Palmer
E-mail: ldethman@desnews.com