Kings Island asks fans to rally against new taxes

MASON, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio amusement park is using its huge sign and the Internet to get its fans to rally against proposed city taxes on the park’s admissions and parking.

The sign outside Kings Island along Interstate 71 now reads: “Mason wants to tax you! Tell them no!” The park north of Cincinnati also is fighting a Mason tax plan with tens of thousands of e-mails sent to its fans on the park’s Web site or social-networking sites.

The city of about 29,000 is considering a 3 percent tax on park admissions and a 5 percent parking tax for not only Kings Island but also The Beach water-park nearby.

Proponents say the money is needed for road improvements and fire and police services related to the attractions. Councilman Tony Bradburn said those who use the two parks should help pay for the services, rather than Mason residents subsidizing the operations.

Kings Island draws about 3 million visitors annually, according to the park’s Web site. Park officials have said the park provides police services at Kings Island at no cost to the city and has paid nearly $110,000 to cover the services over the last two seasons. Park employees have paid nearly $440,000 to the city in income taxes over the same period, Kings Island said.

Greg Scheid, Kings Island vice president and general manager, said the proposal would tax people, not the park. He says a price increase of any kind would negatively affect attendance and revenues, and could lead to park job losses.

The Northeast Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce also opposes the plan.