The Columbus Zoo has repaid nearly $44,000 in owed back taxes for two rental properties tied to last year's financial scandal.

Why it matters: This is another ripple of mismanagement and corruption by former zoo leaders in recent years. These decisions don't just impact the bottom line — they're also a blow to the public's trust in a beloved central Ohio institution.

Catch up quick: The two rental properties originally received tax exemptions in the early 2000s because they were used to house visiting zoo personnel, such as veterinarians.

• But eventually, former chief financial officer Greg Bell rented a property on Powell Road to his daughter for below-market rent, an investigation found.
• The other, on Riverside Drive, was rented to an unrelated, undisclosed tenant.

Between the lines: Delaware County discovered in 2019 that the properties weren't being used for a tax-exempt purpose, emails obtained by Axios show.

• The zoo started making regular payments in 2020, but didn't pay the $44,000 in back taxes until last summer, after the larger scandal came to light.
• Delaware County Auditor George Kaitsa told Axios the zoo likely owed more. The statute of limitations only allows for five years of taxes to be collected.

The latest: The zoo filed paperwork with the county last month asking to reclaim its exemptions.

What they're saying: Zoo officials weren't available to comment by publishing time, a spokesperson said.

State of play: The way the zoo skirted paying property taxes is now illegal. Starting this year, owners receiving tax exemptions must notify the county if they're no longer using a property for nonprofit work, under a new Ohio law.

Of note: Former zoo president and CEO Tom Stalf rented a third home to his in-laws, in Franklin County, but an auditor spokesperson said those property taxes were paid.

By the numbers: About 20% of the nonprofit zoo's $92 million annual budget comes from Franklin County property taxes.

• In addition to the $44,000 in back taxes and at least $631,000 lost due to officials' misspending, the zoo also spent money — though it's still unclear how much — hiring a law firm, auditing firm and search firm to recover from the situation and find a new CEO.
• So far, $143,000 has been reclaimed through a settlement.

Just as local home prices continue to skyrocket, the average costs of one- and two-bedroom apartments in Columbus also rose sharply in 2021.

State of play: It's the same story in most U.S. cities and states as high demand is pushing up apartment rents.

• Last December's 97.5% U.S. occupancy rate was the highest ever recorded.

Yes, but: Rental prices in Columbus are still lower than national averages, according to the most recent data from housing site Rent.com.

• Though pricier than most other cities in Ohio, Columbus ranks just 55th among major U.S. cities in rental costs.

By the numbers: Ohio rents are a whopping 37%-43% lower than the national averages.

🏥 So many Ohio children are seeking mental health treatment that it's putting the behavioral health profession at a "breaking point." (WBNS)

🥾 Hocking Hills State Park is closed indefinitely due to unsafe trail conditions. (WCMH)

☘️ The Dublin Irish Festival returns to Ohio's Emerald City from Aug. 5-7 at Coffman Park. (City of Dublin)

🥩 Urban Chophouse, the joint venture between former Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer and restaurateur Chris Corso, will drop its "Urban" branding after being sold to a private investment group. (The Columbus Dispatch).

🧡 The Joe Burrow Hunger Relief Fund has collected $1.3 million in donations, spurred by the quarterback's success this season. (Athens News)

See what’s new on our job board.

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3. New Home Sales Associate at New Home Star.

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For this installment of the Franklin County history marker tour, we head to the Ohio Statehouse grounds on Capitol Square.

The marker: "Ohio in the Civil War," located near the south entrance.

The intrigue: More than 300,000 Ohioans fought in the Civil War, including several important Union Army leaders: Generals Ulysses S. Grant of Point Pleasant, William Tecumseh Sherman of Lancaster, Philip Sheridan of Somerset and James McPherson of Clyde.

Flashback: This week in 1862, Grant led the Army to capture Fort Donelson.

• Per Ohio History Connection, this was a key early victory that boosted morale and gave the Union strong access into Confederate territory.

Tyler's thought bubble: I've been taking advantage of Columbus Metropolitan Library's free streaming content to finally watch Ken Burns' Civil War documentary.

• Have I mentioned lately how great it is having a library card?

🔟 down, 111 to go.

Columbus' 2022 concert calendar is starting to take shape.

The latest: British rockers The Who announced an Oct. 9 stop at the Schottenstein Center and tickets went on sale Friday.

• Inkcarceration, a rock and tattoo festival at the Ohio State Reformatory, just unveiled a jam-packed lineup for July 15-17.

Upcoming shows with face-value tickets still available:

• Umphrey's McGee, 7pm on Thursday, KEMBA Live!
• Darius Rucker, 8pm on Saturday, Palace Theatre.
• Dua Lipa, 7:30pm on Feb. 26, Schottenstein Center.
• Mayday Parade, 6pm on March 18, Newport Music Hall.
• Eagles, 8pm on April 19, Nationwide Arena.
• Journey & Toto, 7:30pm on April 30, Schotteinstein Center.
• Justin Bieber, 7:30pm on May 16, Schotteinstein Center.

🎵 Alissa's last-minute pick: Indie band The Greeting Committee are at A&R Music Bar tomorrow night. I saw them a few years ago at the same venue and they were a lot of fun.

Sorry we couldn’t get it done. Proud of our team and our fans. Love these guys.