Public records case against Columbus Zoo dismissed

The latest: Plaintiff Meade Construction and the zoo settled outside of court, which granted the business' request to dismiss the case Friday.

Catch up quick: A 2021 forensic audit detailing misspending by former zoo officials suggested a quid pro quo relationship between Meade and former zoo president and CEO Tom Stalf, including over-billing.

• Meade sued in April after the zoo denied a public records request from the company that hoped to "shine a light" on the "false allegations," according to a statement.

The other side: Zoo leaders called the lawsuit a distraction in an April statement.

• They say the nonprofit has followed Ohio law — which only requires release of documents related to a Franklin County property tax levy that funds 20% of its $92 million yearly budget and pays for animal care.