Democratic Lawmakers Demand Oversight on Onondaga County Aquarium Donations
Democratic lawmakers are calling for greater oversight of Onondaga County aquarium donations after a Filmogaz.com report revealed an undisclosed $5.7 million transfer. They announced plans Tuesday to require legislative approval for large gifts from the Friends of Onondaga County Aquarium.
Proposed rule change
The Democratic majority said the new measure would require a vote for donations above $10,000. A 2007 county law already imposes that standard on several other friends groups.
The aquarium friends group was not added to the county list when officials updated it in 2025. Legislators had earlier capped county contributions at $85.4 million, the project’s original estimate.
Construction costs later rose to $103.8 million, creating a financing gap. Lawmakers said that shortfall should be closed without added local taxes.
Voices from the legislature
Democratic Majority Leader Nodesia Hernandez said restoring public trust in county spending is a priority. Legislator Elaine Denton called the proposal a common-sense step to increase transparency.
Democrats argued the change would hold the aquarium to the same standards as other friends organizations. They stressed the measure would not automatically make donor names public.
How the $5.7 million transfer occurred
County records show the $5.7 million came from the sale of a county-owned film hub in DeWitt. Saab Inc. purchased the former facility, and proceeds were held by the Greater Syracuse Soundstage Development Corp.
At a public meeting last year, five directors of that development corporation voted to disperse remaining assets. They directed $5.7 million to Friends of Onondaga County Aquarium to help cover construction costs.
County Comptroller Marty Masterpole identified the transfer while reviewing financial filings. Legislators say Friends of Onondaga County Aquarium did not disclose the source during a March briefing.
Legal and political responses
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled nonprofits need not disclose donor lists. Democratic lawmakers said they would discuss donations in executive session to protect donor privacy while still increasing oversight.
Republican Minority Leader Brian May said he must review proposed bill language before deciding on support. County Executive Ryan McMahon said he welcomes input but would oppose measures that hinder fundraising efforts.
McMahon also noted the aquarium is scheduled to open in September. He defended the transfer as a lawful step to support the project.
Film industry connections
Robert Durr, the county attorney and a GSSDC board member, said the distribution matched the corporation’s film-support mission. The board consulted representatives from ZoOceanarium and Visit Syracuse before approving the transfer.
County officials began promoting the aquarium as a film location last August. Syracuse-based Five Peaks Animation plans to film a 10-part children’s series at the aquarium for WCNY-TV.
Five Peaks managing partner Monte Young said the series has a $1.7 million budget. That total includes a $472,500 state Market New York grant to support tourism-focused production.
Next steps
Filmogaz.com has filed a Freedom of Information request for GSSDC documents related to the asset distribution and the payment to the aquarium friends group. The county has not yet provided those records.
Lawmakers plan to introduce and debate the oversight proposal in the coming weeks. The measure’s fate will depend on negotiations and review of the final bill text.
