A Colorado state lawmaker has accused the Southern Ute Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe of not paying state taxes.

Rep. Mark Larson, a Republican, wrote a letter to Gov. Bill Owens (R) last month. He said the tribes aren't paying taxes on the sale of cement, gravel and asphalt to non-Indians and are avoiding fuel taxes and licensing fees for tribal vehicles.

The tribes dispute Larson's accusations. The sale of cement, gravel and other items aren't subject to state taxes because they are solely derived from on-reservation activities, a Southern Ute attorney said.

The attorney also said Larson is taking the side of a multinational company whose rock product business competes with the tribes.

Get the Story:
Larson: Ute tribes eluding taxes (The Durango Herald 12/3)
Southern Ute tribe lawyer questions Larson's intentions (The Durango Herald 12/3)

Relevant Links:
Southern Ute Tribe - http://www.southern-ute.nsn.us

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