KINGS ISLAND, CofC Vow To Fight Admissions Tax Proposal

[SOB_TOM]

Its just something I heard. I doubt it as well, but had to probe the possibility.

Terpy, you may know about this, but was there anything drafted about this agreement between Mason and KI, or was it verbal? If it was verbal, there really is nothing KI can do on that front, and would have to pursue another avenue.

[The Interpreter]

I honestly do not know. I highly doubt it was written, and even if it was, it may not be enforceable as against later city governments...which is the argument Mason has been using of late. WE didn't promise that, they did and they are gone. Not a very honorable argument. I remember thinking at the time that Paramount Parks was making a huge mistake in having Kings Island annexed into Mason...and it may very well be I was right.

[SOB_TOM]

I don't know much about enforcing laws passed on the local level, but what I was taught to believe is that any law passed by any governing body must be upheld by that same body, no matter who is in those official positions. I may be wrong, but that is what I was told to believe in Fort Thomas.

Then again, I lived in that town for 24 years, and never saw the mayor change once....

What are the chances that the state is brought into this and KI coming up on top? There is precident in the state as is of an amusement tax, and I would think that the state would have to go with that.

[upstop]

I've never heard of a locality imposing a tax without the electorate voting on it. I would think the imposed tax could be taken to court if not originally voted on and passed by the people.

[IndyGuy4KI]

KI Tweet from http://twitter.com/kingsislandpr - Kings Island, chamber of commerce vow to fight proposed admissions tax http://twurl.nl/tav2ib

http://www.pulsejournal.com/entertainment/...tax-394665.html

[Diamondback FOF]

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...

I would assume that is information for their offices, which I would assume has to be made public, as you can find that info for Senators and such.

[CedarPointer]

No, those are their home addresses. Google Streetview them.

[BoddaH1994]

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.

I thought the same thing. Why not have KI sell stickers? You know... a Kings Island sticker... that happens to cost $44.99 but includes FREE park admission, however that apparently won't work. They want to tax everyone who walks through the gate and every car that passes through the tolls not matter what they pay.

[CedarPointer]

If they are allowed to do it, it should also apply to malls, restaurants, etc. Those places provide entertainment, too, you know. Just to point out the ridiculiousness of it...

[Diamondback96]

In fact, it should probably apply to some things sold in Walmart, too.

[CedarPointer]

It should also apply to movie theaters, golf courses, school plays, and so many other things!

[The Interpreter]

In fact, it should probably apply to some things sold in Walmart, too.

Oh, really? Are you not aware that there already is a locally imposed sales tax in Warren County which applies even at WalMart there?

[BoddaH1994]

I have been informed that there will be a story tonight on the Ohio News Network at 9:00 about Tony Bradburn's plan to tax KI's guests.

[KI-ORIG-EMP]

Any body that drives into Mason sees those fancy street lamps and fancy landscaped streets and all those fancy services that Mason had built and paid for. They have that huge community center that they told the citizens they need more taxes from them to help pay for the upkeep. Mason built that skate board park and bought that golf center. All things the city has no business purchassing or building. As the P&G's of the world, Mason annexed that township land for all the property tax and income tax to fill their coffers. Mason had eyed Kings Island and when the township was talking about becomming a city, Kings Island kind of paniced and Mason saw their move. They promised things that Deerfield Township was aready providing: Fire, Police, water/sewers and road up keep. But Mason as the god father used to say, "Made a deal they could not refuse." They promised no admissing tax. Kings Island fell for it lock, stock and barrel. It is time for Kings Island to tell Mason to shove it! It is time for KI to rejoin the township. Deerfield Township has a fire station located in Kings MIlls that is only less than 1 1/2 mile away. Mason's is 3 miles away or more.

There is a country song that saids, "...all the gold is located in a bank in Beverly Hills..." is not true. Mason seems to think that all the gold is located in Mason and it is all that taxes they collect and spend and spend on gold plated pools and soon to be roads.

[CedarPointer]

"Mason: It's Like Springboro, Except Worse."

[Coasterfun]

Link to Story by Ohio News Network:

http://www.10tv.com/live/content/onnnews/s...al.html?sid=102

[couch31]

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.

im not sure where you live in indiana and what boat you went on, but argosy casino, grand vic, or belleterra never offered anyone a 5 dollar chip for compensation nor did the cost to get on become to high as a matter of fact the cost went down to 3 dollars and after that it was free to get on all boats starting with grand vic then argosy casino.. and belleterra never charged anything.

[Jason B]

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.

im not sure where you live in indiana and what boat you went on, but argosy casino, grand vic, or belleterra never offered anyone a 5 dollar chip for compensation nor did the cost to get on become to high as a matter of fact the cost went down to 3 dollars and after that it was free to get on all boats starting with grand vic then argosy casino.. and belleterra never charged anything.

Also the casino boats to this day still pay the $3 per person for everyone that enters them to the state, they just no longer pass on the cost to the patrons.

[couch31]

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.

im not sure where you live in indiana and what boat you went on, but argosy casino, grand vic, or belleterra never offered anyone a 5 dollar chip for compensation nor did the cost to get on become to high as a matter of fact the cost went down to 3 dollars and after that it was free to get on all boats starting with grand vic then argosy casino.. and belleterra never charged anything.

Also the casino boats to this day still pay the $3 per person for everyone that enters them to the state, they just no longer pass on the cost to the patrons.

that is true as well they pay the cost of each patron who comes on the boat

[Diamondback96]

In fact, it should probably apply to some things sold in Walmart, too.

Oh, really? Are you not aware that there already is a locally imposed sales tax in Warren County which applies even at WalMart there?

I meant an additional tax on electronics, board games, and toys.

[Monroe]

Deerfield Township has a fire station located in Kings MIlls that is only less than 1 1/2 mile away. Mason's is 3 miles away or more.

There is a reason it has Deerfield Townships heavy rescue truck stationed in it and I hope I don't have to tell you why. Also that station responds to the golf center and the businesses along Kings Mills rd., part of the annex? Kick back to Deerfield Township? Or maybe a little of both? I don't think Deerfield Township would want to loose that kind of a kick back just to gain a massive responsibility without an income tax coming from the head ache....I mean park. Two last things: I'm not knocking you, just pointing out some thing you might have missed. Second, I want to thank that fire station publicly. They responded to an accident that my wife had and totaled her car. Every one was ok, and I contribute that to the response of the fire department.

[BoddaH1994]

For those of you who get Kings Island's Newsletter, they're fighting back...

If Mason City councilman Tony Bradburn has his way, it will cost you more money to attend Kings Island in 2010.

An attempt to impose a 3-percent admissions and 5-percent parking tax was made at the most recent Mason City Council meeting November 9 without the park’s knowledge - and without your knowledge.

Bradburn, chairman of Mason’s finance committee, has been a staunch advocate of higher taxes on businesses including the promotion of the admissions tax since joining council. To consider such an “anti-business” proposition in today’s economic climate makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.

A final vote is expected on Monday, November 23. If the tax passes, increases will go into effect for the 2010 season.

To voice your opinion on being assessed an admissions and parking tax when you visit Kings Island, attend the November 23 Mason City Council meeting held in the Mason City Building located at 6000 Mason-Montgomery Road. The open to the public meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:00pm. Mason council can also be reached by phone at 513-229-8500 or via email at council@masonoh.org.

Thank you for supporting Kings Island and other area businesses. We look forward to seeing you at the park in 2010.

TELL MASON CITY COUNCIL THAT YOU DON’T WANT TO BE TAXED:

User Tax - This is not a tax on Kings Island, it is a tax on Kings Island’s guests. For example, the average family that purchases their season pass this summer:

- 4-pack of Regular Passes and One Parking Pass = $13.40 in additional taxes

- 4-pack of Platinum Passes = $19.20 in additional taxes

Bad for the Entire Area - Warren County’s #1 industry is tourism. This tax will create a negative effect that will be felt by other businesses in the area. This tax will be especially damaging to area hotels, restaurants, and service stations.

Job Cuts and Future Investment - Fewer visitors will result in the elimination of full time and seasonal jobs at Kings Island and many other area attractions and businesses.

Terrible Timing - With so many people struggling in this economy, this idea couldn’t come at a worse time. Many families and companies are forced to make cuts to survive the current downturn. Why should the city of Mason be an exception?

Credibility Issue - A promise was made that an admissions tax would never be enacted when Kings Island was annexed into the city of Mason in 1997. What confidence can other business prospects have?

Kings Island Employees Pay City Taxes - Park employees have paid nearly $440,000 to the city of Mason in income tax over the past two seasons.

Kings Island Pays Police - Over the past two seasons, Kings Island has paid nearly $110,000 to cover the cost of Mason Police patrolling the park with no cost to the city of Mason.

Bad for Kings Island - A forced price increase of any kind will have a strong, negative effect on overall attendance and revenues and could prevent further expansion and development.

Far Less Traffic Now Than in 1997 - Kings Island entertains nearly 1 million less people each year than when it was annexed into the city of Mason. During that same period, the city of Mason has nearly tripled in size.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS - RECENT QUOTES ON THE TAX DEBATE:

Tony Bradburn, Mason City Council Member / Cincinnati Enquirer - Nov 10, 2009

"They'll survive."

Tony Bradburn, Mason City Council Member / FOX 19.com - Nov 10, 2009

"We only need four votes to pass it."

Greg Scheid, Kings Island General Manager / Dayton Daily News - Nov 11, 2009

"It's really disappointing. Mason's slogan is 'Your business partner,' and I don't feel like they're being a very fair partner right now."

Northeast Cincinnati Chamber / Cincinnati Enquirer - Nov 12, 2009

“The economic impact on the area will be devastating, because even though visitors come for the attractions, they use many ancillary businesses while they are here. To consider such an “anti-business” proposition in today’s economic climate makes no sense.”

Kate Storch, The Beach Waterpark / Cincinnati Enquirer - Nov 10, 2009

"The idea that they would introduce a tax like that today is just really hard to fathom. It's not what the city of Mason needs. It's not what we need to maintain our viability here."

Ralph Vilarado, The Beach Waterpark / ONNtv.com - Nov 11, 2009

"Our attendance goes down and therefore as people come into the city of Mason, they don't just come visit us. They come visit all the other businesses. They support the hotel, they support the restaurants, the gas station"

Dave Moushey, Mason Resident / Dayton Daily News - Nov 11, 2009

"It's not the time to start taxing people. People are hurting enough right now."

[pcc]

My email was sent. It was short and to the point. I have yet to receive a reply....

*update*

This just come to my inbox:

"Thank you for visiting the City of Mason's website and for your

comments. I will forward your e-mail to all Council members for their

consideration. We appreciate your time in writing to express your

opinion on this matter."

Meh, generic.

[Coaster Kid]

There replie sounds like something they copy and pasted to everyone who sent one becasue I got the exact same thing from mine with the exact SAME words.

[pcc]

Figures.