ORLANDO, Fla. – Famous theme parks such as Walt Disney World Resort, Sea World, and Universal in Orlando continue to experience the hardship of paying tens of millions in property tax.

Wide lands are required to hold famous attractions such as Water Parks, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Cinderella’s Castle, etc. As an effort to lower down the bills, some methods were touched, one of which is the use of cows for agricultural exemptions. This method is done by placing live cows around underdeveloped lands in the hectares that the theme park owns; however, this plan did not show great results.

Property assessments and property tax continue to increase. This occurrence urged these theme parks and small – medium enterprises to file lawsuits against Rick Singh, Orange County’s property appraiser.

Singh is on his second term, after being re-elected last election. He won despite the fact that his opponent was heavily supported and funded by said businesses.

Reports said that several organizations that are affiliated with these big theme parks donated $19,000 to the Republican’s candidate, and only $5,000 was given to Democrats, Singh’s party.

Walt Disney World Resort filed a lawsuit against Singh last year, stating that the appraisal methodology used by Singh and his office was improper and inaccurate. Officials from Disney shared that their properties assessment done by Singh in 2015 was exaggerated and unjustified.

Officials from Sea World and Universal did not release details of their cases, however, they expressed their optimism in solving the issue in court.

Orange County Watch Chairman, Doug Head, said that former officials who sat in Rick Singh’s position were retirees who didn’t mind about the anomalies happening. Singh is the first official to have genuine dedication and plan, plus the professional capability to handle the position. He said that negative reactions are normal.

Rick Singh stated that the appraisal of property tax for theme parks is done by a group of seasoned appraisers. The cost approach is the method used in evaluation – it observes property values and the parts that are newly-built or in the process of construction which adds to the tax bill.