The Lehigh Valley Zoo finally convinced the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners of the necessity of providing funding to the organization.

President of the Lehigh Valley Zoo Rick Molchany's previous appearances before the board were instrumental in persuading the commissioners at the Dec. 11 meeting in awarding a yearly subsidy. The commissioners approved the subsidy 5-3.

Molchany during previous meetings argued the zoo provides the county with vital educational services and a higher quality of life.

The agreement passed by the commissioners provides $185,000 a year for three years. In the event the zoo performs well financially, the subsidy will be decreased accordingly.

Chairwoman Lisa Scheller and Commissioners Michael Schware and Vic Mazziotti opposed the three year agreement. They instead said they support an agreement with a subsidy that would decrease each year.

Schware said a yearly, incremental decrease in the subsidy would benefit county taxpayers.

"We need to put this bill in context of the zoo's financial picture and the county's financial picture," Schware said.

Commissioner Dan McCarthy said the $185,000 subsidy was appropriate as each year since 2005 the amount awarded to the zoo has decreased from over $400,000 to $245,000, a sign the zoo is moving toward financial independence.

The zoo is located at 5150 Game Preserve Road, in Schnecksville.