County claims right to impose taxes on Passamaquoddy Tribe

Friday, January 4, 2013  

Washington County in Maine claims it has the authority to tax property owned by the Passamaquoddy Tribe and its members.

The county claims the authority under the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980. The law subjects the reservation to state civil and criminal laws.

The tribe was apparently making payments in lieu of taxes to the county. A lawsuit that was filed in federal court claims the last payment was made in 2006.

An attorney for the tribe indicated a settlement is possible.

Turtle Talk has posted documents from the case, Washington County v. Passamaquoddy Tribe.

Get the Story:
Extension granted in Passamaquoddy payment lawsuit (The Bangor Daily News 1/4)