In interviews after the session, Councilman Joe Brazil, R-Defiance, said he agreed with Cronin’s preference for an admission charge. But the two stopped short of saying they’d vote against putting a sales tax on the ballot.

Four other councilmen were undecided on the sales tax. “I’m open to it,” said Mike Elam, R-Dardenne Prairie. He said he wondered if an admission charge would lead to fewer people paying voluntary membership fees to a zoo booster group like he does.

Zoo officials met last week with Franklin County officials. Presiding Commissioner John Griesheimer said Monday he believes the county commission at some point would support putting a zoo sales tax on the ballot but he’s skeptical of doing it as soon as the November election.

He said more time may be needed to explain to voters why additional money is needed.

The St. Charles County body on Monday also was briefed on a proposed property tax increase to fund senior citizens programs. The money would address transportation, medical, nutrition and other needs of people at least 60 years old.

The request came from a nonprofit group called Seniors Count of Greater St. Louis, which is pushing similar measures in St. Louis County and St. Louis.

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