Supreme Court Sets Date for Oneida Indian Tax Case

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Supreme Court has set a date for oral arguments in the tax fight between a central New York municipality and the Oneida Indian Nation, reported the Associated Press.

The Oneida County city of Sherrill and the state are asking courts to review a lower court's decision barring the taxation of a gas station-convenience store and textile plant owned by the Oneidas.

The city foreclosed on the properties for nonpayment of property taxes. The Oneidas argue the properties lie in sovereign tribal territory and are therefore exempt from local taxes. Sherrill officials contend the Oneidas ceased to exist as a New York tribe about 100 years ago, and as a result lost the right to tax-exempt status.

A federal appeals court ruled against Sherrill in July 2003, and Sherrill appealed to the nation's highest court.

Oral arguments are now scheduled for the morning of Jan. 11.
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