Chief explains Tribal tax

Observer Staff

5/19/2006 12:00:00 AM

Boozhu, Tribal Members,

I pray this letter finds you and your loved ones enjoying the blessings of springtime. There is much to be thankful for and much work to do as we continue to look at ways to improve our Tribe and deliver quality services to the membership.

There is a wealth of material contained within this community mailing and I would encourage you to review all information relating to the implementation of the SCIT Tribal Sales Tax. I am pleased our Council was walking forward together on this decision that has been in the works through many different administrations. We believe the Tribal tax will be another successful way to cultivate a revenue stream that has been present and untapped for many years. The Tribal tax will be in effect starting on June 5.

We have included a Tribal Tax matrix table in your packet and a comparison of what goods and services will and will not be taxed. Council stands together in the belief that this tax will generate much needed revenue to keep current services to the Tribal membership moving in a positive way.

Please make an effort to review our web site at www.sagchip.org for updates regarding the implementation of the Tribal tax. At our next community meeting, scheduled for August 3, we will provide a financial review of revenue generated from the Tribal tax. There is also an informative seminar planned for the Tribal membership from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Tribal Operations gym on Monday, May 22.

We are moving forward with many projects that impact our community in a positive way. Coming this spring, there will be many renovations planned for the traditional powwow grounds as Council decided to keep the annual event at its current location. Council has appointed a powwow committee and they have chosen the following officers to serve: Chair Melissa Montoya, Vice-Chair Daniel Jackson, Treasurer Angel Jackson and Secretary Sonja Sowmick. Please contact them at the powwow hotline (1-800-225-8172) for more information.

First and foremost, the maintenance and continuation of per capita at current levels is a priority for our leadership. There are no plans to reduce per capita payments in 2006. Second, our Council remains committed to our Tribal youth and their education and will continue to move forward with the reservation activity center and Tribal school project.

We also encourage those 97 members who have not yet sent their annual reports to the office of Tribal Clerk to do so. Our Council appreciates your continued prayers and support and we welcome your comments in writing and remember our regular monthly meetings (May 2 and June 6) are open to the Tribal membership and start at 9 a.m. in the senior's room at Tribal Operations.

God bless us all,

Tribal Chief Fred Cantu, Jr.