The long standing battle between Kings Island, The Beach and other entertainment venues and the City of Mason are set to face off next week over a proposed admissions tax which will affect millions of park goers.

Mason claims that a 3% tax on admissions and a 5% tax on parking will generate $2 million per year in revenue for projects such as street improvements according to this article by whiotv.com.

The proposal, which was not on the council's original agenda on November 9th, is spearheaded by the chairman of the city's finance committee and tax advocate Tony Bradburn.

Greg Scheid, vice president and general manager of Kings Island, describe a feeling of "shell shock" in an interview with Journal News.

Scheid added that Kings Island had paid nearly $110,000 to cover the cost of Mason Police patrolling the park's property in the past two seasons and Kings Island employees have paid $440,000 in income tax over the same span.

In the latest edition of the Kings Island Newsletter, the park warns of the likely consequences of this tax which includes a drop in attendance and revenues which will result in the reduction of full time and part time employees as well as a reduction in future expansion.

The council is expected to vote on the issue on Monday, November 23rd.

To voice your opinion, come to the Mason City Council meeting (which is open to the public).

Mason City Building
6000 Mason-Montgomery Rd.
Mason, OH 45040
November 23rd, 2009 7:00pm EST

Or contact the Mason City Council directly at 513-229-8500 or by email council@masonoh.org

Do you want the latest information sent directly to your cell phone? Sign up for KICentral's official mobile club and receive text alerts with the latest news and information about Kings Island! Signing up is fast and free! Click here for more information about KICentral's official mobile club!

Are you an avid Kings Island fan or do you casually visit once a year? It doesn't matter! KICentral.com is the site for you. Why not register on the forums of KICentral and tell us about your thoughts and experiences involving Kings Island! Registration is fast, FREE, and easy. Don't forget to keep checking KICentral.com for the latest news, rumors and information about Kings Island amusement park!

The time has finally come for everyone's favorite summer getaway - Kings Island to say goodbye for the final time this season. The staff of KICentral would like to thank all of the Kings Island associates, KICentral members and supporters for all of their dedication and contribution this season to help make this site what it is today.

However, as one season ends it becomes time to look forward into the future and all of the high-flying thrills and surprises that 2010 has to offer including a massive kids' area renovation as Planet Snoopy takes over center stage next year.

What's your favorite memory of the 2009 season? Many may say that their first ride on Diamondback - Kings Island's tallest and fastest coaster- is an obvious answer, others may say that a special event such as the ASA World Tour or Nik Wallenda walk come to mind, others may just like to reminisce about priceless moments spent with friends and family at the park this year. Click here to tell us about your favorite memory of Kings Island's 2009 season.

The offseason is also a fantastic time to catch up on your history lesson - Kings Island history, that is! Of course, why crack open a book when you can explore the history of Kings Island with "Riding History to the Limits" brought to you by CET's Nate Byrum. This feature-length documentary about the long and unique history of Kings Island will take you on a roller coaster ride starting back with the park's original conception in the mid-1960s all the way up through today!

Do you want the latest information sent directly to your cell phone? Sign up for KICentral's official mobile club and receive text alerts with the latest news and information about Kings Island! Signing up is fast and free! Click here for more information about KICentral's official mobile club!

Are you an avid Kings Island fan or do you casually visit once a year? It doesn't matter! KICentral.com is the site for you. Why not register on the forums of KICentral and tell us about your thoughts and experiences involving Kings Island! Registration is fast, FREE, and easy. Don't forget to keep checking KICentral.com for the latest news, rumors and information about Kings Island amusement park!

Now that Fall is in full swing, the 2009 season at Kings Island is sadly drawing to a close. This weekend, October 30th through November 1st, will be your last opportunity to experience the over 50 rides and attractions that Kings Island has to offer including Diamondback, the new 230' steel monster, which debuted this year.

To close out the season, Kings Island is offering some special admission discounts that create a great opportunity to invite friends and family to enjoy the park for themselves one last time for the season.

Purchase your tickets from Kings Island's Official Site and you can get a 4-pack of tickets for $79, or $99 for a 4-pack of tickets for all day Saturday or Sunday.

Additionally, 2009 season pass holders (and those who have not used their one free visit with the 2010 pass) can bring a friend for the super low price of $9.99 on November 1st - the last day of the season.

See a first hand account of the history of Kings Island as WCET's Nate Byrum takes you through the very unique history of Kings Island in his documentary Riding History to the Limits. From its rare beginnings of being one of only a few parks that have actually been created by moving another park to the illustrious heights of Diamondback, this documentary will take you on a roller coaster ride of information that you've never seen before!

Do you want the latest information sent directly to your cell phone? Sign up for KICentral's official mobile club and receive text alerts with the latest news and information about Kings Island! Signing up is fast and free! Click here for more information about KICentral's official mobile club!

Are you an avid Kings Island fan or do you casually visit once a year? It doesn't matter! KICentral.com is the site for you. Why not register on the forums of KICentral and tell us about your thoughts and experiences involving Kings Island! Registration is fast, FREE, and easy. Don't forget to keep checking KICentral.com for the latest news, rumors and information about Kings Island amusement park!