Amusement park in Ohio uses its highway sign, e-mails to fight parking and admissions taxes

Ohio amusement park not thrilled with tax plan

MASON, Ohio — An Ohio amusement park is using its huge sign and the Internet to get its fans on board against proposed taxes on 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 is fighting a city of Mason tax plan also with tens of thousands of e-mails sent to people who have become fans on the park’s own Web site or social networking sites.

City officials are considering a 3 percent tax on admissions and a 5 percent parking tax for not only Kings Island but also the nearby water park The Beach.

Proponents of the plan on Monday night’s city council agenda say the taxes are needed for road improvements and fire and police services related to the attractions.