|
|
|
|
|
Two Douglas County commissioners are vigorously opposing the request of the Cow Creek Indians to remove a 2-acre parcel of land from county tax rolls prior to developing it.
However, much of the 3.2 million acres within the county's boundaries is already taxexempt, as it is owned by governments and non-profit organizations.
County government should be delighted with the Cow Creeks' willingness to invest it in projects such as the proposed convention center which will generate millions of dollars in tourism and new jobs.A tumultuous Douglas County Commission meeting Wednesday brought to a boil what has been simmering for some time – a growing struggle between the two newest commissioners and the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians.
Tribal attorney and spokesman Wayne Shammel forcefully denounced the actions and attitudes of the commissioners toward the tribe.
One could hardly blame the tribe for responding in such a fashion. They have felt under attack by Commissioner Dan Van Slyke, who is strongly supported by Commissioner Marilyn Kittelman.
At the meeting, Van Slyke found himself in an incredibly uncomfortable position for an elected official – apologizing in front of jammed chambers for a reference he made to Nazi Germany when speaking about the tribe on a radio show.
Van Slyke and Kittelman say they are trying to look out for the county's residents by not supporting the tribe request to remove a parcel of land in downtown Roseburg from the tax rolls prior to developing it.
Instead of helping the county's third-largest private employer create more, however, two of the commissioners are squabbling over less than $1,000 a year to the county in tax revenue.
Neither the city nor the school districts have contested the request, despite losing more than that each year. Those officials can look long-term and realize that a healthier Roseburg is a greater benefit.
They can speak for themselves; they aren't asking commissioners to intervene for them.
Longtime Commissioner Doug Robertson disagrees with his fellow commissioners on this issue as well.
Tribal officials have good reason to feel slighted. The county has done handsprings for others who want to build businesses and create jobs. These firms are offered specialized job training, property at low prices and yes, tax breaks. Ironically, the tribe has been a major contributor to job training in the county.
Sure, there is a concern about losing more property tax dollars. However, much of the 3.2 million acres within the county's boundaries is tax-exempt, under ownership of federal, state, county and city governments, non-profits such as hospitals, churches, civic organization, schools and the like. This request of the tribe is for less than two aces.
The tribe has shown itself to be a tremendous supporter of the county communities, donating far more money each year than required under its compact to operate the Seven Feathers Casino. Just ask the city fathers of Canyonville how much the tribe has helped that city in so many ways.
County government should be delighted for the Cow Creeks' new prosperity and their willingness to invest it in projects such as a convention center that are beyond the abilities of others.
If commissioners truly have the interest of the majority of residents in mind – not a small group of obstructionists – they would work with the tribe to improve the county, not throw up roadblocks.