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A sign in front of Kings Island asks residents Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, to protest a resolution proposed by Mason City Council that would impose a 3 percent tax on tickets for area attractions and levy a 5 percent tax on parking. The flashing sign reads

Staff photo by Apryl Pilolli A sign in front of Kings Island asks residents Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, to protest a resolution proposed by Mason City Council that would impose a 3 percent tax on tickets for area attractions and levy a 5 percent tax on parking. The flashing sign reads "Mason wants to tax you! Tell them no, " and lists the city's phone number and when the council will meet.

Council agrees to delay vote on tax hike until February

By Denise G. Callahan, Staff Writer Updated 8:22 AM Wednesday, November 25, 2009

People who buy season passes to Kings Island and The Beach Waterpark this year won’t pay extra. But, that could change next year.

After listening to more than 30 residents and business owners Monday night, Nov. 23, Mason City Council tabled a vote to enact a 3 percent ticket and 5 percent parking tax on city attractions, most notably Kings Island and The Beach Waterpark.

Councilman David Nichols asked for the issue to be tabled until Feb. 8.

“I don’t have the facts to make a decision on this,” Nichols said.

The delayed vote, while welcomed by officials from Kings Island and The Beach, could put a crimp in their planning for next year.

“As long as the admissions and parking tax is lurking in the shadows, it’s going to have an adverse impact,” Kings Island spokesman Don Helbig said.

Pam Strickfaden, vice president and general manager at The Beach, said they’ll have to base their decisions for ticket prices on current economic conditions.

“I have more hope today that any decision they make on this issue will not just consider a narrow view, but the full economic impact and fallout that this tax will have,” she said.

More than 200 people attended the meeting, many criticizing council for revisiting the issue without the knowledge of Kings Island and The Beach.

“Frankly, it reeks of a back room deal. This measure requires exposure to sunshine and it’s getting that now,” said Konrad Kircher, a Mason attorney. “We ask you to listen to these interested parties and if you believe this makes sense, please explain it to us in an open forum, embrace the concept and let us know why this is so vital at this point.”

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 Water Park are operating, the city also incurs more calls for service for police and fire services. The taxes are meant to offset those expenses.

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4525 or dcallahan@coxohio.com.

»Heated debate about ticket tax continues Article on A4

»View photos from the debate at the city council meeting PulseJournal.com/photos

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