Kings Island threatens to de-annex from Mason

I hope they do it. Seriously, I don't understand how it is that amusement parks, which contribute so much to the local economies they server, are being targeted like this. It's not even clear how recession-proof the parks are, and this seems like biting the hand that feeds.

Local governments that can't manage their growth get into this predicament where they can't pay for the services they need to provide. You can't blame Kings Island for that after being there for decades.

Ha. I also hope they do it as well. It certainly isn't the first time a major amusement park got in a scuffle with the city over singling them out for certain tax revenue.

I really think the threat will do the job. If Kings Island does de-annex, Mason will have to worry about their significantly reduced tax revenue that is generated by Kings Island, let alone have time to think of new ways to increase it.

Is anyone else really annoyed by the comments on that story? Why would the most recent comment be at the top? That is really stupid.

Do the last three news items constitute a robbery trifecta?

One, I think Mason has enough high dollar housing that they can support themselves off property tax; Two, taxing Kings Island more is just wrong. Jeff said it right, the park has given so much to the community, including lodging taxes from nearby hotels, not to mention inflated food pricing within the park...which means more taxes. Taxing the park even further is just overkill, and the town trying to stick their hands into Kings Island's pockets even more.

Cities do not typically levy property taxes in Ohio.

I really don't see the big deal.

Maybe because I am used to the parks in the Chicago area having an amusement tax on tickets.

Gurnee has been doing it since Great America opened. Gurnee also doesn't have property taxes so it evens out with GA and Gurnee Mills as big revenue generators.

Melrose Park also has one on Kiddieland tickets.

It's not that surprising at all---these are politically very popular, because the locals see it a a way of raising revenue strictly from outsiders.

The local economic contribution of the park doesn't usually factor into the discussion, because it's indirect.

I hope they do it too, if not just to prove a point. It is bad enough water is $3 a bottle. If they do start taxing tickets, I will simply pack a cooler with food and leave it in my car, then get my hand stamped when I leave to eat in my car, and re-enter the park. Find a way to take more of my money and I will find a way to give you less. I live an hour from Kings Island and have been visiting the park for 12 years.
It won't stop me from visiting the park, but it certainly won't make me happy.

Ah, but what about that "de-annexation tax?" I'm sure that's steep. They'll getcha one way or anither. ;)

From The Simpsons: (I may not have the exact quote)

Movie Maker: "We're leaving town. We've spent all but our last $500."
Quimby: "There is a... ummm... $500 leaving town fee."

^^Hahaha....very funny!!

BUT....in the real world, a.) there are lawsuits for that kind of thing, and b.) who's to say an also fairly rich Deerfield Township wouldn't foot that de-annexation bill, especially with future KI revenue streams???

Just curious. Does Mason provide services? (Sewer, water?) Just wondering if it would even matter if they deannexed as they could simply squeeze from a different angle.

KI has wells down by the river, and their own water treatment plant. If they have a problem with their system, or have an extreme day, they can buy water from the city. They do use the city for sanitary sewer.

I wrote several of masons city council when this plan was mentioned over a year ago. They all said Kings Island realized the need for it ect. I told them they were full of crap and any city that can landscape side roads and have decorative lighting on them certainly doesn't need more tax dollars.

KI orriginally was incorporated as its own twp. with its own post office. fire dept and police.

I hope they do it as well. The Showcase Cinema across from the park barely does any buisness cept for a saturday in the off season. A 3 percent tax certainly isn't going to help it. A troubled Beech waterpark and other things around like private put put courses. National Amusements just closed one movie theater in the city area.

Chuck, saying really, This city waist more money that it takes to run a city twice it's size and a third or more of it's success was caused by KI.

I just came back from atlantic city where there is a 13 percent sales tax on everything.

I won't be back. 8.00 for a spinny mouse that don't spin.

As for the high dollar housing and taxes. The income of the families moving out this way makes up a significant portion of the cities budget at 2% of every dollar everybody makes. The parks hotels and everything else that draws are a bonus and not a given.

Just my 2%

Chuck

I believe they're still incorporated, they still have a police and fire department, and the mailing address is still Kings Island, Ohio.

I thought of this thread on Friday when I was at the park. Basically there were a whole lot of Mason police officers at the park to help with fireworks crowd control. A bit ironic huh?

Yeah its funny because the park was dead on the fourth. Rare for PKI but weather wasn't cooperating early in the day.

I believe Deerfield and hamilton twps also border the park. With the added payroll taxes either could take over police and fire duties. Mason's just being greedy.

People need to learn when govt starts asking for more money. It's time for less govt.

Chuck