That's the conclusion of Salt Lake County's Debt Review Committee, which determined Thursday that the zoo is a safe financial investment if voters decide to feed $65 million into it for remodeling and expansion.

With the panel's favorable recommendation, zoo officials now need the County Council's nod to put their tax request - which would pay for the largest makeover in Hogle history - on November's ballot.

If voters sign on, annual county property taxes would jump by about $10 on a $250,000 home over the next two decades.

"It is clear to me that it is a viable plan," said Jon Bronson, a committee member and manager of public finance at Zions Bank. "The zoo's past performance is a good indication of future performance."

Hogle Zoo plans to transform its 41-acre park - located in Salt Lake City at the mouth of Emigration Canyon - by trading concrete animal enclosures for more expansive, natural habitats for polar bears, gorillas and even a pride of lions from the African Savanna.

Officials also intend to add a carousel, more parking and an upgraded animal hospital.

The zoo needs about $85 million for the work, but Executive Director Craig Dinsmore plans to tap tax dollars for $65 million and rely on private donations for the rest.

Once the overhaul is complete, the zoo expects to accommodate up to 1.4 million visitors a year.

While the zoo still must persuade the County Council and, ultimately, voters, spokeswoman Holly Braithwaite said Thursday's recommendation is a sliver of sunlight in the process. Of the Debt Review Committee's declaration that the zoo is fiscally sound, she remarked: "It is something we've tried to say."

The committee is hardly a rubber stamp. Earlier this year, the panel recommended against public funding for Real Salt Lake's soccer stadium. But state lawmakers intervened and approved a funding package for the facility, now under construction in Sandy.

Now, the County Council must decide by late August whether the zoo bond reaches voters. When greeted with the proposal in May, council members hesitated.

Some questioned the timing, saying the bond comes as residents face votes on potential splits in the Granite and Jordan school districts.

Couldn't it wait, asked Councilman Jeff Allen.

Others wondered why Salt Lake County must shoulder the tax burden alone - to which the zoo offered county residents "half-priced Tuesdays" and noted that they make up the majority of visitors.

Those issues remain. But financially - aside from some unanswered questions about property ownership - the county's Debt Review Committee backed Hogle's bond plans unanimously.

"The zoo has been financially viable for decades," said Darrin Casper, the county's chief financial officer. "This project only enhances its viability."

jstettler@sltrib.com