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Mason to consider ticket tax next week on attractions like Kings Island

The amusement park is offering a free 'Tax Vote Tailgate Party' prior to the city council meeting.

The Mason Council meeting was packed last November as people discussed the pros and cons of the council passing a resolution that would impose a 3 percent tax on tickets for area attractions and levy a 5 percent tax on parking.

Apryl Pilolli/Staff photographer The Mason Council meeting was packed last November as people discussed the pros and cons of the council passing a resolution that would impose a 3 percent tax on tickets for area attractions and levy a 5 percent tax on parking.

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By Eric Schwartzberg, Staff Writer Updated 1:02 PM Wednesday, February 3, 2010

MASON – A ticket tax that could increase the cost of admission and parking at Kings Island and other Mason attractions will be considered next week by Mason City Council.

Kings Island officials are encouraging people to attend the meeting and give their opinion and have gone as far to host a tailgate party at the amusement park before the vote.

The admission tax for city amusements bandied about for several years and most recently reintroduced in November is set to go to a vote at a 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8 meeting at the Mason Municipal Building.

Council was set to vote on a 3-percent ticket tax and 5-percent parking tax during a Nov. 23 meeting, but tabled the matter to discuss it further after hearing from some of the more than 200 people who turned out to voice opposition to the taxes.

City council member Mike Gilb said the issue, which would also affect The Beach Waterpark, has been at the forefront of discussion since November.

“Certainly I don’t think council is looking at this lightly,” he said. “We’ve been trying to understand where the city finances are at and how best to move forward to protect the taxpayers of Mason.”

Mason officials have said $24 million worth of improvements are needed at the Western Row Road and Interstate 71 interchange. When Kings Island and The Beach Waterpark are operating, the city also incurs more calls for service for police and fire services. The taxes are meant to offset those expenses.

Kings Island Vice President and General Manager Greg Scheid said he hopes the proposed taxes go to a vote on Monday. “It’s not fair to us, the companies, or to the many guests that want to plan a visit that the city is holding this over our heads,” he said.

Prior to next Monday’s meeting, King Island plans to hold a 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. "Tax Vote Tailgate Party" at the Kings Island International Restaurant, complete with complimentary food and refreshments.

“The only thing we’re wanting people to do is to come out and voice their opinion to Mason council,” he said. “That’s all we’re looking for.”

Scheid said Kings Island officials have had “some very good meetings” with city officials in recent weeks.

“There’s some really good people over there who I think understand our argument at this time,” he said.

For updates on this story go online to PulseJournal.com

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