In order to “Explore Science and Discover Fun” for free at the Columbus Center of Science and Industry, COSI has proposed a tax levy to be implemented on all Franklin County residents.

Although COSI has had an overwhelming positive response from visitors, the raised price of admission has caused a decline in attendance, forcing COSI to seek financial assistance from the state.

Toni Bloomfield, a spokeswoman for COSI, said the tickets received a stipend to their prices after the museum relocated to a larger, more expensive facility.

“COSI moved in 1999 because our former facility did not have the room to accommodate all of our different exhibits, so our costs grew,” Bloomfiled said. “As a result, our current admission prices have become a barrier for many families interested in coming here.”

Under the Ohio Revised Code, the museum is permitted to impose a tax on citizens, if in return they provide free admission to all residents of the county being taxed. The estimated $500,000 levy is significantly smaller than other levies for educational enrichment programs, such as the Columbus Zoo, but will still result in a $15 tax from homeowners.

If the levy is passed Tuesday, the overall tax for each resident will be equivalent to the current adult admission price. Bloomfield said residents should be receptive to the levy because of the endless opportunities and knowledge COSI can provide.

“When you look at COSI overall, we have had quite a response from people. Our records show that over 90 percent of the people of Franklin County have had a COSI experience,” Bloomfield said. “It has truly impacted society.”

Andrew Marcelain, a resident of Franklin County, has also participated in the COSI experience with his two young children and is in favor of the levy because of the numerous educational benefits COSI has to offer.

“This would be a great bonus to many families who consider the prices to be too much of an economic burden,” Marcelain said. “I personally would rather take my children to an educational place like COSI for the whole day than a movie theater. If the levy is passed, I can do that as much as I want.”

To ensure the passing of Issue 27, COSI has developed the organization “Citizens for a Free COSI” to enhance fundraising prospects and to attract sponsors. Beverly Martin, the campaign manager, has been working diligently to promote public acceptance of the levy.

“We are doing telephone campaigns, literary drops, e-mail trees and lots of grass-root activities to get people involved,” Martin said. “We are doing it all because this is an educational resource for our children.”

If Issue 27 fails to pass, Bloomfield said the repercussions could potentially be devastating, but she said COSI is more concerned with focusing their efforts upon achieving their goal.

“Right now, we are just dedicating our time towards educating people about what COSI has to offer and that’s enhanced learning,” Bloomfield said. “When people come here, they will realize learning is more than just memorizing – it’s having real hands-on experiences, and that’s the COSI way to be.”