|
|
|
|
|
by John SowellDouglas County commissioners have sent a letter asking the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs to look at the possible economic impact if land formerly occupied by the Douglas County Farmer's Co-op in downtown Roseburg is placed in tribal trust.
The Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians is seeking to have the property on Washington Avenue, west of Southeast Stephens Street, taken off the tax rolls and placed in tribal trust. The tribe plans to build a convention and meeting center complex on the two parcels formerly occupied by the Co-op and the Surplus Center. The parcels are valued at $1.7 million.
Currently, the tribe pays $18,580 a year in property taxes that go to the county ($1,111), the city of Roseburg ($9,117) , the Roseburg School District ($4,977), the Urban Renewal District ($2,367) and other taxing districts. If the property is placed in trust, the tribe would receive an exemption for having to pay future property taxes.
Dan Van Slyke, chairman of the three-member Board of Commissioners, said it's too much to ask the public agencies that currently receive the proceeds to cut their budgets because of a loss in tax revenue. He said he applauds the tribe for its contributions to the county, including the donation of thousands of dollars to nonprofit groups each year, but that taking the land into trust would make it tougher for other entities.
"Our responsibility is to the special taxing districts. A lot of people don't understand that it affects the schools and the college and other individual taxing districts." Van Slyke said. "It's great that they're giving that money, but it doesn't have anything to do with the money lost by the taxing districts."
The letter, dated Sept. 29 and signed by Van Slyke and fellow Commissioners Doug Robertson and Joyce Morgan, asks the Bureau of Indian Affairs to take steps to mitigate the impact to the taxing districts if the land is placed in trust and property taxes are removed.
"We're hoping this letter will open a dialogue," Van Slyke said.Sue Shaffer, the tribal chairwoman, said she was "terribly disappointed" and angered by the position taken in the letter by the county.
Shaffer said the tribe has had a positive presence in the county. Hundreds of jobs have been created and the tribe provides local nonprofit agencies with 6 percent of the profits at the Cow Creek casino.
"I think the Cow Creeks have shown their dedication to the community," she said. "If we haven't demonstrated our commitment, then there's nothing we can do to prove that."Overall, the tribe owns more than 4,100 acres of property held in trust. As a sovereign nation, the tribe is exempt from property tax assessments on tribal land. It's similar to the exemption given to other governmental bodies, such as school districts, cities and the county itself. Some nonprofit groups such as churches are also exempt from paying property taxes.
<<< Business Successes >>>