Summer News & Updates
State Budget Finalized – No Amusement Ride Fee Changes Included
The legislature has completed their work on the biennial budget bill, House Bill 96. The Governor has signed a final version after issuing a record number of line-item vetoes. The legislature is planning to override some of those vetoes, primarily the items related to property taxed.
The introduced version of the budget included a proposal developed by the Amusement Ride Safety Council that proposed changes to permit and inspection fees for amusement rides. Generally, the proposal would have increased fees for several ride categories to supplement a decrease for inflatable rides. Eric German, representing the GOSA, testified in opposition to the fee increases on mechanical rides on February 20, 2025. You can watch that testimony here: https://ohiochannel.org/video/ohio-house-agriculture-committee-2-20-2025
Despite the testimony, the fee increased remained in the House version. However, we were pleased with the Ohio Senate’s version which removed the fee changes. GOSA sent a letter to the members of the budget conference committee urging adoptions of the Senate’s version. When the budget conference committee met on June 24, 2025, it was the Senate version that was accepted. Therefore, there will be no changes to the ride inspection and permit fees in the immediate future.
Other notable provisions include a welcomed increase in TourismOhio’s line item. As well as enacting a flat income tax rate of 2.75%.
Sales Tax Holiday
GOSA wants to remind members about the upcoming Ohio sales tax holiday. This will be August 1st – August 14th. During this period, items that are $500 or less will not be assessed a sales tax. (Exemptions include watercraft, tobacco products and alcohol). Previously the sales tax holiday was limited to back-to-school items, however it has been expanded to nearly all products. There was a lot of confusion last year, so make sure your business is ready to comply. All information on this sales tax holiday can be found here: https://tax.ohio.gov/business/ohio-business-taxes/sales-and-use/sales-tax-holiday
Jamborees – Coming Soon!
Click the image below or click Calendar in the main menu to check for updates on dates and times for this summer’s jamboree events.
Jamborees were conceived in 2012 by the GOSA board to provide opportunities for members to socialize during the fair/festival season. These events also serve as outreach to fair boards and potential members, as invitations are open to everyone working on the fairgrounds at each location.
Want to host a jamboree at YOUR FAIR? Contact the GOSA office for information!
