KINGS ISLAND, CofC Vow To Fight Admissions Tax Proposal

[The Interpreter]

Visitors to Kings Island, The Beach Waterpark or other Mason attractions may have to fork over a little more to get past the front gates.

That’s because city council on Monday, Nov. 9, made a first reading of a resolution that would add an admissions tax for area attractions, with the exception of non-profit organizations.

The city tried several times before to enact such a tax but was met with opposition each time and withdrew the matter from consideration....

A 3-percent admissions tax would offset the cost of those additional services by generating millions of dollars in revenue, he said.

The measure did not appear on the council’s pre-meeting agenda and was introduced during the meeting but could not advance beyond a first reading, let alone to a vote, because only four of seven city council members were present.

Greg Scheid, general manager of Kings Island, said later the news left him “shell-shocked.”...

http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/dayton...tax-394665.html

[Coaster Kid]

Does this mean we will have to pay a tax on our Passes to?

[The Interpreter]

I would assume so. The better question is whether Mason would try to apply the tax to passes already sold. I'd assume the admissions tax, if passed, would affect future season pass prices.

Cedar Point has to deal with an admissions tax. So do Great Adventure, Dollywood and many, many other parks.

Your question, though, is a wise one. Parks do not pay admissions taxes...(well, they do, but...) like all other costs, the tax is passed on to the ultimate consumer, we who go to the parks.

[Coaster Kid]

The thing is I hope that tax money goes toward a new coaster but that probly will not happen.

[DaveStroem]

I don't see how they could charge a tax on passes that have already been sold. On the other hand, there may already be an amount figured in to the platinum pass to cover some of these. As you said that CP already has a tax and their PP price is the same as the other CF parks. My guess is they make a few extra nickels from the parks that don't have an admission tax.

[The Interpreter]

The thing is I hope that tax money goes toward a new coaster but that probly will not happen.

The tax money would be used by Mason, and most likely not for anything that directly benefits park visitors, if other locales are any indication.

[shark6495]

I am mixed on this issue. Part of me feels that it will do nothing but mess with the little guy as we hand over 30 cents on every ten dollars, or aboout an additional 3 dollars onto the price of the season pass. The other part of me feels that in times like this, that this is the best way to help keep the roads repaired and fire/ems/police in service. So who knows but there are worse things than getting upset over a thing like this......

[shark6495]

The thing is I hope that tax money goes toward a new coaster but that probly will not happen.

The tax money would be used by Mason, and most likely not for anything that directly benefits park visitors, if other locales are any indication.

Only if you consider nice roads and emergency services as not direct benefits to park visitors

[The Interpreter]

But, three precent can just be the beginning. Like hotel/motel occupancy taxes, these taxes are VERY popular as they are not paid by people who can vote out of office the officials who impose them. Mason suddenly 'needs' more money, raise the admission tax. And repeat. And repeat. It's not like Kings Island can or will move.

Plus, when Paramount Parks agreed to have Mason annex the park, there was supposedly an agreement that there would not be an admissions tax.

The thing is I hope that tax money goes toward a new coaster but that probly will not happen.

The tax money would be used by Mason, and most likely not for anything that directly benefits park visitors, if other locales are any indication.

Only if you consider nice roads and emergency services as not direct benefits to park visitors

Only if you consider that absent the tax such services would not be provided, which is NOT true. Or if you assume that the tax will actually be used for additional services in that area, which is also probably not true. Money is fungible. The new monies will most likely be used instead of the money that originally would have been allocated for those nice roads and emergency services, thus allowing more money so someone can hire their sister-in-law to do crossword puzzles, fill in your own example of so-called waste, fraud and abuse here, etc.

[Thrill_Biscuit]

They have to pay for all those hi-falutin' banners and streetlamps, and that swanky, plush landscaping throughout the manicured little city.

[Gabe]

If CF were smart, they'd hire a good tax law firm to contest the legality of the tax. Here in Indiana, the gambling boats were orig charged a similar admissions tax (each person had to pay a 5.00 cover to get on the boat). To compensate, the boats would then hand out a free $5 gambling chip once on board. Eventually the costs to the boats got so high that a few of them hired an Indpls law firm to challenge the tax, which was eventually overturned by the courts.

[Avatar]

I can not believe the City of Mason Ohio is trying this again.

Lets give some background on this issue since some may not know how this has come about.

Many Years ago Kings Island and the City of Mason Ohio agreed to have Kings Island annexed into the city of Mason Ohio. Mason would receive various tax revenue from payroll, property taxes and other various tax revenues in return Kings Island would receive police and fire protection from Mason and some traffic control. In addition Mason agreed in principal to not pursue a admission/gate tax from Kings Island.

Some time after many Mason residents complained and threaten law suits because the City Of Mason was collecting taxes on their residents (for decades) when their residents worked out of the city limits. That amounted to millions of dollars. Other Cities do not do this and the City of Mason needed to comply or answer to their ever growing angry constituents. Mason had grown accustomed to the extra revenue that other communities do not receive, so they looked for ways to offset that loss and got the bright idea of "hey lets have a admission/gate tax". Kings Island fought it and even pointed out to Mason that they agreed they would not pursue such a measure. Then current City of Mason administration at that time told Kings Island that that was the old city administration that agreed to that and they are no longer in office.

The City of Mason makes a lot of money from Kings Island in forms of taxes from a variety of sources to include tax revenue that visitors who stay at the local hotels. Yes Mason provides some road services and provides police and fire protection but they receive far more than they pay out.

The City of Mason is trying to replace a revenue that they should have never been enjoying in the first place. They built a nice community with the extra money and now want to continue that effort with a admission/gate tax. This is what is commonly refereed to as taxation without representation. The last time Mason proposed the tax they tried to say they needed it for something else in hopes that the general public would forget what really brought this all on in the first place.

Shame on you City of Mason for going back on your deals and for trying to take even more money or chasing business away from your community business that already support your community. especially in times like these when the general public is feeling the pinch and those business are needing to offer deals and discounts to keep customers coming in so that they can bring in tax revenue for your city and continuing to employee citizens of your City. Shame, Shame On You.

[Gordon Bombay]

You'd think with all the people Kings Island and these other area attractions bring into the Mason area that Mason would already see the economic benefit of having a healthy relationship with these businesses....instead it seems the Mason City Council is getting a bit greedy.

[CoastersRZ]

Well, the City of Mason`s excuse is this. All those people that visit Kings Island are utilizing the services (road, fire and police services) that Mason provides. Most people who visit KI are not residents of the city of Mason and therefore do not pay taxes for those services. The city of Mason is trying to say that all those visitors to KI are getting a free ride and it is placing an undue burden on the system for those that do pay taxes for the systems.

However, when it comes to roads I do have a few major objections. Most, not all visitors reach the park from the south (and all the abundant hotels located down at Fields Ertel Road). Once they exit the interstate they are on Kings Island Drive, which I believe is maintained by Warren County/Ohio Department of Transportation and not the city of Mason. However, I do believe the street lights that were added along KI Drive were installed, paid for and maintained by the city of Mason. But as far as upkeep on KI drive, I believe that ODOT in conjunction with some TARP funds are paying to repave KI drive, not the city of Mason.

I agree that it is pretty unfair to charge KI (and in turn its customers) a tax that they do not receive any solid benefit from. Why would the city of Mason want to tick off a large business within its limits by imposing what could be considered a very targeted tax? I mean they already collect an income tax from the employees who work at Kings Island, even if they live outside of the city limits (just like the City of Cincinnati collected income tax out of my paycheck from Coney and I don`t live in the city. Although that was slightly frustrating in its own right because whenever I worked the Rock O Planes I wasn`t even in the city of Cincinnati). As an aside, I believe that the city of Cincinnati has a "performance tax" that they charge to bands and athletes that play within the city. Seems like that tax and the proposed Mason tax are trying to generate some revenue in ways that do not add additional expenses to the local tax base, but instead impose burdens on those that visit the city and help enhance the city`s economy through tourism.

EDIT: In addition to the 3% admission tax, the city of Mason wants to impose a 5% tax on the "parking, housing or storage of motor vehicles in a lot, building or other facility used for parking, housing or otherwise storing motor vehicles.” Seems to be like the city of Mason is trying to nickle and dime Kings Island and the Beach. And one of the advocates for these taxes says that it would generate millions for the city. Do these two venues really place that much of a strain on the police and fire departments? I know times are tough, but I think the city of Mason is doing a pretty good job at angering two of its biggest assets and tourist draws. It just speaks of stupidity.

[The Interpreter]

Also a five percent tax on parking!:

http://newstalkradiowhio.com/localnews/200...g-surprise.html

[The Interpreter]

Much more on this:

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/2009111...on+tax+proposed

[CedarPointer]

So this would apply to season pass parking too?

[BoddaH1994]

An admissions or parking tax will affect anyone who visits the park -- whether you're a passholder or you buy a daily ticket.

The person most responsible for this is Councilman Tony Bradburn whose contact info can be found by clicking here.

[CedarPointer]

Which is a very stupid thing to do, because it will eliminate many impulse visits to the park, which most likely fuel many food purchases, which would actually end up making less money for Mason...

[TheSonofBeast]

An admissions or parking tax will affect anyone who visits the park -- whether you're a passholder or you buy a daily ticket.

The person most responsible for this is Councilman Tony Bradburn whose contact info can be found by clicking here.

i love that the link takes you to a page that tells you every councilmans address and phone number! lol they must really not worry about privacy in Mason...

see also: Council Bios

Council member Tony Bradburn was re-elected to his second term on Mason City Council in November 2007.

Tony attended Princeton High School and graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Masters in Education. He retired from the Ford Motor Company after 33 years in risk management.

As an aviation buff with a private pilot's license, Tony has flown a Russian MIG 29 fighter jet and L-39 trainer outside of Moscow, Russia. He enjoys travel overseas to Australia, England, Germany, and Switzerland, as well as Russia. You might also find him on the Little Miami bike trail on a weekend.

One of Tony's other hobbies is politics. He was elected to Springdale City Council for 12 years and served on many boards and commissions. While in Springdale, he served as a firefighter and paramedic. He is currently president of Warren County Municipal League.

A resident of Mason since 1998, Tony has been involved with the Warren County Central Committee and is a member of the Warren County Republican Century Club.

"It will be an honor to serve the residents of Mason for the remainder of my term," said Tony, adding that he welcomes your comments.

[KIfan1980]

From the cincinnati.com article that Terpy linked:

Bradburn, who has unsuccessfully pushed for the tax in the past, argued that the fees, similar to ones that are implemented in other communities in the region, are not unreasonable. He suggested the financial fallout estimates are inflated. "I think they're wrong on the numbers," he said. "They'll survive."

Gee thanks Mr. Bradburn - just what is needed is city leaders who think the world will be just fine if a major local business/attraction "survives". What you should be working on is how to further grow and develop the area by helping existing businesses thrive and bringing new businesses to the area.

This is a plain and simple attempt at a money grab by the City of Mason. Just because other communities have "similar" fees in the region doesn't make any of them right - with this one especially poor based upon the agreements when KI was annexed.

I agree with Avatar that the City of Mason made a mistake by giving reciprocity for taxes paid to other cities. To give a real example on this - I used to pay 2.1% to City of Cincy (where I work) and 1% to City of Mason (where I live), next year I will only pay the 2.1% to City of Cincy. While many cities do this, some only give partial credit (up to half) and some give none (like Mason used to) - and the truth is most people knew this when they moved into Mason and accepted it because they liked the services and amenities of the community. I can still remember the look of shock on the face of the council member who came to my door asking me to sign a petition to put reciprocity on the ballot - when I said "no, I think its a bad idea" - they were dumbfounded that I didn't want to lower my personal taxes.

I'm glad Mr. Bradburn welcomes my comments - he along with other members of council (who are probably more important to give input to as Mr. Bradburn's mind seems made up) will get them. While KI can't exactly up and move, they can make an choice to invest and grow or just try and survive. At higher risk are other attractions that I'm guessing would be subject to the tax (for example the Volleyball tournament, Events/Concerts at Timberwolf) which could go elsewhere or skip the Greater Cincy area completely.

[BoddaH1994]

A Post On A Blog By A Concerned Mason Citizen

[Dalefan]

I have a saying i use for both Mason and Sandusky. If it wasnt for Kings Island and Cedar Point, both citys wouldnt even be on the map. You have to remember, both citys are very money hungry. Thats why they are going after the biggest money maker. All those hotels and food places wouldnt be in Mason and Sandusky if it wasnt for the parks. And Sandusky has the most indoor water parks in it then any city in Ohio and maybe the USA. Sandusky has 5 indoor water parks. The names of the 5 are Great Wolf, Rain, Castaway Bay, Kalahari and Maui Sands.

[upstop]

What besides The Beach and Kings Island are effected by this tax. The articles mention an exception of non-profit organizations. Does this include local Halloween events by non-profits? What about hotels and motels that are full as a result of the beach and ki? Next summer is going to be effected heavily by this tax.

[AintNutinElse2Do]

I think Kings Island, the Beach, and others should come up with a loop-hole. Since the tax is a percentage of admission and parking charge less for admission and create a new random charge to cover the difference. Example: If tickets were $29.99 charge $3.99 for admission and $25 for Security or for some random novelty souvenir. Then the city would only get the admissions tax on the $3.99 but the park wouldn't lose anything and the tax on the small amount wouldn't be very noticeable. Same could go for parking charge 50 cents for parking and $9.50 for the parking ticket required. Or just for kicks make the higher amounts a "enjoyment fee" so then when the city tries to tax it people would go crazy that their trying to tax enjoyment.

[Thrill_Biscuit]

Genius as that is, it sounds like a federal offense, punishable by ....even more tax.

[CedarPointer]

I can't believe they're trying to create a tax specifically targeted toward a business already hit hard by the recession. Shame on you, Mason.

[The Interpreter]

... And Sandusky has the most indoor water parks in it then any city in Ohio and maybe the USA. Sandusky has 5 indoor water parks. The names of the 5 are Great Wolf, Rain, Castaway Bay, Kalahari and Maui Sands.

You do know Maui Sands closed in 2008, declared bankruptcy and will most probably soon be sold, for whatever purpose the new buyer decides?:

http://www.sanduskyregister.com/articles/2...ont/1699687.txt

Another park you speak of is Rainwater, and is in a Quality Inn...to say it has not had rave reviews would be to be kind.

[SOB_TOM]

Isn't it also true that part of the agreement of the annex of KI is that KI can withdraw from Mason if it desires, and become part of the township out there, or even be a separate entity from any city? If this is true, why not just enact that clause if Mason passes this tax? That would solve the issue, at least in my mind.

[The Interpreter]

I don't know about that, and kind of doubt it, but when West Miflin tried to do this to Kennywood, the locals and park went to the state legislature and got state legislation passed to either lessen the effects or prevent the action. It's been a while. In any event, West Miflin backed off. I believe the issue then was increasing the existing admissions tax.