Supporters of the Lehigh Valley Zoo were present Sept. 25 before Lehigh County commissioners to show their support for a six-year lease to provide $277,500 to the zoo for 2014-16 and $242,500 from 2015 through 2019.

Their passion and zeal, however, failed to convince the board to approve the zoo lease.

The commissioners voted 5-4 to defer voting on the six-year deal until the Dec. 11 meeting.

Voting in opposition were Commissioners Percy Dougherty, David Jones Sr., Daniel Mc-Carthy and Brad Osborne.

Commissioner Michael Schware said he was not comfortable voting on the matter without the zoo's 2013 auditing statements.

"It's a little early to be talking about a six-year lease," he said.

CEO and President of the Lehigh Valley Zoo Richard D. Molchany advocated for the zoo and its current financial situation.

"The zoo is an example of how to grow revenue," he said. "This would be a good decision for you to make for the people of the Lehigh Valley."

Molchany said zoos across the nation depend on governmental support.

The Lehigh Valley Zoo is one of the few in the nation that is moving in the direction of self-sufficiency, he said.

"We're hitting singles. Help us hit doubles," Molchany told commissioners.

Schware said he wants the 2013 figures so he can compare those figures to previous years. He also noted a sizable cash reserve the zoo currently has on hand, referring to the zoo as "stock piling cash."

"Mr. Schware, I don't think I can respond to the comment 'stock piling cash,'" Molchany said, emphasizing he is not personally benefiting. "There is no personal gain from any of our board."

Washington Township resident, zoo board member and former county commissioner Marc Grammes urged commissioners to approve the lease.

Grammes said he has personally witnessed the zoo grow, most notably achieving accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

"This guy [Molchany] needs the support when he goes out in the community," he said. "You have the opportunity to be remembered for something when you leave."

Lehigh County Executive Matt Croslis also spoke in favor of the zoo saying it is an excellent example of a partnership between private and public entities.

Coplay resident and president of Coplay Borough Council Lou Bodish told commissioners the lease would allow the zoo to continue to gain strength and stability so it can eventually become an independent entity.

"If you don't have a plan, your plan will fail," Bodish said. "You need to give them some time to move forward."