Ohio group seeks ballot issue on ticket tax to finance stadium operations

Associated Press

CINCINNATI

A group is pushing to let voters decide whether to use a ticket tax to pay for operations at riverfront stadiums used by the Cincinnati Bengals and Reds.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports the city would collect the tax on behalf of the county. Proponents need 8,500 signatures from registered voters by August 10 to get the issue on the fall ballot.

Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune says it’s unfair to have taxpayers defray costs for the multibillion-dollar business of professional sports. The sales tax approved by voters to build the stadiums hasn’t generated enough money to cover costs.

Commissioner Greg Hartmann says the tax plan could face legal challenges, including that the county’s stadium leases ban a county ticket tax.