A Lawsuit was Filed Against Ledyard for Over Taxes on Slot Machines

According to the federal law the town of Ledyard has violations. That is why owners of the Foxwoods Resort Casino and New Jersey slot machines distributor is suing the town over property taxes levied on leased machines.

Since the collection of taxes in 2003 the alleges lawsuit of the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act "completely pre-empts state or municipal attempts to regulate, tax or otherwise control Indian gaming, except as set forth in IGRA's express provisions."

According to town tax assessor Paul Hopkins, while the Pequots are a federally recognized tribe, and their property is tax-exempt, the same rules do not apply to leased property such as slot machines.

Hopkings has said that the town has the right to tax Atlantic City Coin's 500 machines because the reason is that the company is independently owned.

Atlantic City Coin's slot machines valued at $430,701 in the 2005 grand list made this year the first to challenge the assessment. A grand total of $10,758.90 is the resulting property tax.

The tribe has tried to appeal the assessment with the town's Board of Assessment Appeals in February but they were denied.

Bruce MacDonald, tribal spokesman has refused to comment on the matter. He just said, "We'll let the matter play out in court and just not say anything at this point."

Thursday, 31 August 2006
Caroline Mitchell