Click here for a PDF version of this press release
FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
THE SWINOMISH INDIAN TRIBAL COMMUNITY HAS ESTABLISHED THE 2015 TAX RATE
La Conner, WA - November 11, 2014 - The Swinomish Indian Senate, the governing body of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, has established the 2015 tax rate that will be included in the Tribe’s anticipated Trust Improvement Use and Occupancy Tax.
The Senate decided the amount of the 2015 Tribal Tax will be based on Skagit County’s assessed valuations of trust land improvements for tax year 2015. In addition, the Senate decided that the Tribal tax rate for 2015will be identical to the total County rate applicable to Swinomish Reservation trust improvements.
“Taxpayers on leased trust land will pay the same amount to the Tribe as they would’ve paid to the County if the Great Wolf Lodge case had not been decided,” said Swinomish Chairman Brian Cladoosby. “Taxpayers can rest assured and budget for their taxes in 2015 just as they have in the past.”
The Senate’s action reflects once again the Tribe’s interest in providing a smooth transition from County to Tribal taxation. “We know that taxpayers appreciate the Tribe’s actions in bringing stability to the School, Fire and other local districts for 2011 – 2014, but we’ve heard the taxpayers are concerned about the future tax for 2015,” said Chairman Cladoosby. “The Tribe has not yet completed writing its 2015 tax code, but the Senate wanted to let taxpayers know now what to expect.”
The Swinomish Senate and Tribal staff continue to meet regularly to develop the 2015 Tax Code, with a goal of formal adoption before the end of the year. “The Senate and staff have devoted a lot of time to this task, and we will continue to keep taxpayers informed as we move forward.”
The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community is a federally recognized Indian Tribe with more than 900 members. Swinomish is a signatory to the 1855 Treaty of Point Elliott and is the legal successor in interest to the Samish, Kikialus, Lower Skagit and Swinomish aboriginal bands. Its 10,000 acre reservation is located 65 miles North of Seattle, Washington on Fidalgo Island and includes approximately 3000 acres of tidelands.
###
Click here for a PDF version of this press release
Contact: Stephen LeCuyer
slecuyer@swinomish.nsn.us
(360) 466.1058