EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 An audit of the El Paso Zoo has looked into financial activities, including ticket sales and events, within the last year. <\/p>\n
The audit, which reviewed fiscal years 2024 and 2025, focused on ticket sales, memberships, sponsorships, and events. It found three key findings.<\/p>\n
The audit found that three out of four events held at the zoo during April 1st, 2024, and April 30th of this year resulted in a profit for the zoo totaling more than $170,000. <\/p>\n
However, it also showed that one of the events resulted in a loss of nearly $4,500 due to expenses exceeding ticket sales and a lack of financial sponsorship. <\/p>\n
Additionally, two events received sponsorships from Raising Cane’s LLC totaling $8,500, but these were handled without formal agreements.<\/p>\n
The audit recommended that the zoo monitor to ensure event costs are recovered. <\/p>\n
The audit also looked into 40 out of 71 invoice payments for event-related expenditures during the same time period were not paid within 30 calendar days of the invoice date. <\/p>\n
Specifically, 39 invoices for the “Boo at the Zoo” event were paid 26 to 117 days late, and one invoice for the “Brew at the Zoo” event was paid 24 days late.<\/p>\n
The audit also highlighted issues with field trip reservation payments. Three out of 15 invoices were not paid within 30 days, with two invoices remaining unpaid 75 days past due. <\/p>\n
The zoo attributes this to school summer closures and plans to establish a process for collecting payments before such closures.<\/p>\n
The audit recommended that the zoo ensure that invoices are paid within 30 calendar days of receiving the invoice or service as outlined on the City of El Paso account.<\/p>\n
Despite these findings, the audit concluded that the El Paso Zoo has proper internal controls and procedures for handling admissions and membership sales. <\/p>\n
However, it emphasized the need for better monitoring of event expenses, formalizing sponsorship agreements, and ensuring timely payments.<\/p>\n
In response, the El Paso Zoo has taken steps to address these issues. <\/p>\n
For event sponsorships, the zoo has consulted with the City Attorney’s Office to establish a standard agreement. <\/p>\n
To improve invoice payments, the zoo filled a vacant Budget and Services Coordinator position to oversee purchases and ensure timely invoice submissions. <\/p>\n
Additionally, the zoo plans to enhance its process for collecting field trip payments by implementing regular follow-ups and withholding future reservations until outstanding invoices are settled.<\/p>\n
The zoo’s management expressed commitment to improving financial management, with City Manager Dionne Mack stating that standardizing sponsorship agreements and focusing on timely payments are priorities.<\/p>\n
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