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Del Norte supervisors vote to oppose Tallawadini Nation fee-to-trust application, citing tax-base loss
Summary
The Del Norte County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously May 20 to oppose a Bureau of Indian Affairs fee‑to‑trust application (Case No. 59381) for two residential parcels, saying the transfers would remove taxable property and erode county revenues.
The Del Norte County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously May 20 to send a letter to the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs opposing an application (Case No. 59381) to accept two residential parcels into federal trust for the Tallawadini Nation.
Supervisor Howard, who introduced the item, told the board the county’s analysis shows the conversion of the parcels would reduce the local tax base and hamper the county’s ability to fund services. “This is an erosion of our tax base,” Supervisor Howard said, describing a cumulative exposure that the county estimates could total about $162,000 in annual general‑fund revenue if similar transfers proceed over time.
The board and staff discussed the geographic separation of the parcels from the tribe’s existing holdings — roughly three miles from the Smith River townsite, according to the staff report — and whether the transfers would set a precedent that accelerates loss of taxable property in a county that already contains large amounts of public and tribal land. Supervisor Wilson said counties provide public safety and other services on tribal lands under existing federal‑state frameworks and that the loss of property tax revenue worsens funding gaps for local fire and emergency services.
County staff said the letter follows the board’s no‑net‑loss policy and the county assessor’s review of the application. The board directed the chair to sign the letter and authorized copies to be sent to federal and state representatives and relevant agencies.
The motion passed on a recorded roll call vote: Supervisor Short — yes; Supervisor Starkey — yes; Supervisor Wilson — yes; Supervisor Howard — yes; Chair Borges — yes.
The board’s letter asks the BIA to deny the trust application as presented and to consider cumulative fiscal impacts in future trust decisions. It also asks federal and congressional representatives to work with the county on policy changes to address local fiscal impacts from fee‑to‑trust conversions.
What happens next: the BIA continues its administrative review of trust applications. The county said it will pursue state and federal advocacy through associations and legislative contacts to press for procedural changes the board says are needed to protect county revenue.
Votes at a glance: the board approved the opposition letter and directed the chair to transmit it; vote 5‑0.
