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Legislators want peek at Disney-run district

A state review of the company-controlled government is ordered to determine its powers and what would happen to it if the company is sold.

TALLAHASSEE - For the first time in nearly four decades, the state has decided to take a peek at the government run by the Magic Kingdom.

After heated debate Monday, the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee voted 4-2 to order a state review of the Reedy Creek Improvement District - the government run by Walt Disney World.

Rep. Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, asked that the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability determine what powers the district has and what would become of the district if Walt Disney Co. is sold.

Florida legislators created the company-controlled government in 1967 at the request of Disney officials, who said the county couldn't handle the infrastructure needs for such a development at the time. Except for law enforcement, the company provides all of the district's services from fire protection to road building.

"It's not, in any way, a knock towards the Reedy Creek Improvement District. It's just being prepared if there is a change of management," Gardiner said.

But Sen. Bill Posey, R-Rockledge, said he was concerned that conducting a review would imply that the state was dissatisfied with the way the district is operated.

"I don't know any business that wants to hear any government agency say: "I'm from X-Y-Z agency, and I'm here to help you,' " Posey said. "What good can come from it?"

Neither the OPPAGA nor the auditor general has looked into the 35-square-mile district.