Now that the corporate kingdom of Disney World has fallen into new state management, the oversight board is making some major moves.
The biggest change is that the district should raise taxes on itself. The tourism board chairman says raising taxes is necessary for improvements. But he also said it was necessary to cover legal expenses.
As a recap, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida legislature stripped Disney of their special district status. DeSantis gave control of the district to a tourism board to provide oversight
But the amusement park signed a last-minute development agreement to evade the board’s authority. Board members voted to invalidate that agreement in yesterday’s meeting, but a legal fight is expected.
Meanwhile, DeSantis claims Disney World has long undervalued its property values.
Board members agree that it’s time for the district to pay its fair share to increase funds for the surrounding area.