By Associated Press
Tulsa, OK – Tulsa council to consider Indian sovereignty item
TULSA, Okla. (AP) A Tulsa city councilman says he is proposing a resolution that would express the council's opposition to putting more land under American Indian sovereignty.
Councilor Bill Christiansen says he'll offer the resolution in response to efforts by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to place into federal trust status two parcels of land along the Arkansas River. The designation would exempt the land from local sales and property taxes.
Christiansen says that would drain what he characterizes as the city's already inadequate financial resources.
A resolution is nothing more than the council stating an opinion.
Muscogee Nation Chief A.D. Ellis says he understands the city's interest in preserving tax revenue, but his responsibility as a tribal leader is to improve the tribe's revenue source and land ownership.
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Information from: Tulsa World, http://www.tulsaworld.com
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.