The White Earth Reservation Tribal Council and the City of Mahnomen have unanimously reached an agreement for Fee for Services once the Shooting Star Casino, Hotel and Event Center is placed into trust status.
The Shooting Star Casino, located on fee land, paid almost $1 million in property taxes in 2005 and almost $9 million since the Casino was built. Once placed in Trust Status, the Casino is no longer required to pay property taxes to the State of Minnesota, City of Mahnomen, or Mahnomen County.
The agreement calls for the City of Mahnomen to receive $70,000 per year for five years in lieu of property taxes. After five years, the two sides will gather together and discuss arrangements.
"The tribe is interested in being a good neighbor," said White Earth Chairwoman Erma J. Vizenor. "We were able to sit down and talk issues because we all have the same goals. We are true partners."
Mahnomen Mayor Darvin Schoenborn said, "We have a great working relationship with the tribe." He went on to say that he was pleased that the two sides were able to discuss the Fee for Services without it becoming a big problem.
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"It's a sensitive issue and we welcomed the opportunity to sit down and work together. We are looking forward to working together in the future," said Mahnomen City Manager Dean Johnson.
The tribe is currently in mediation with Mahnomen and Clearwater counties.
