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City revenues down slightly

Admission, bed taxes on upswing.

By BRANDI BARHITE
brandibarhite@sanduskyregister.com

SANDUSKY - City revenues in the general fund are down slightly through June, but tourism revenues within that same fund are on the upswing, said Sandusky Auditor/Senior Accountant Hank Solowiej.

With much of the tourism revenue expected in the third quarter, the city has brought in $6.7 million this year, compared to $6.8 million the same period last year.

Revenues in the general fund are down overall because there was no income tax reallocation to the general fund in 2005, and EMS fees after $150,000 are going toward capital projects, not operating expenses, Solowiej said Monday.

The city's general fund budget this year is nearly $17 million. The general fund pays for the day-to-day operations of the city.

"Taking those items into account, I believe that the city is holding its own in the general fund through June," Solowiej said of the dip.

City income tax is up after the first six months of the year with $3.3 million compared to $3.2 million.

The city collected $286,852 in admission tax this year through June compared to $269,482 last year. Bed tax is $138,927 this year through June compared to $32,601 the same period last year, mainly because of the indoor waterpark, Castaway Bay.

"The admission tax revenues is looking better than last year, but not as good as it has been in years past," Solowiej said.

Admission tax reached its peak in 2000 when the city collected $2.5 million for the year. Solowiej said the city has been conservative in its estimates since then because revenues have been flat for a few years.

"We know that the economy has something to do with that," Solowiej said. "We still hope for the best and hope we have nice sunny days for the rest of the summer."

Cedar Point spokesman Robin Innes said Cedar Point and Soak City had a "good weekend" this weekend, but did not turn people away because of lack of parking as rumored.

Innes said it's not park policy to release attendance figures, but said the front parking lot can fit nearly 12,000 vehicles. That's not including the parking spaces at Soak City and the hotels. The number of parking spots in those lots was unavailable.

Cedar Point's parent company, Cedar Fair, said Cedar Point attendance is down 4 percent through July, compared to last year.

REVENUES 2005 vs. 2004 (through June 30)

• City income $3.3 million compared to $3.2 million

• Admission tax $286,852 compared to $269,482

• Bed tax is $138,927 compared to $32,601.

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