Anaheim City Council Approves Tax Ban On Admission Tickets At Disneyland
ANAHEIM (CBSLA.com) – The City of Anaheim has voted to extend a theme park's tax breaks despite heavy public opposition, city officials said Wednesday.
Officials said the council voted throughout all of Tuesday night on an agreement between the city and Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts before the ban on a gate or entertainment tax on admission tickets at the theme park was approved on a 3-2 vote.
In exchange, Disney agreed to invest $1 billion over nine years to upgrade and expand the theme park.
"We applaud Anaheim's leaders for their continued foresight in ensuring the city remains a vibrant tourism destination by extending a proven policy that has created two decades of unprecedented economic growth," said Michael Colglazier, Disneyland Resort president.
Officials explained the city manager's office is expected to execute the agreement with Disney.
Many residents who are opposed to the exemption said the City of Anaheim needs the tax revenue.
However, supporters argued that the theme park's investment will bring huge economic benefits to the City of Anaheim and it's residents.
The tax exemption on admission tickets will effect park visitors over the next 30 years with the possibility of a 15-year extension, officials said.