Two Wisconsin tribes won a lawsuit over tax assessments in the town of Lincoln.

The Forest County Potawatomi Community and the Sokaogon Chippewa Community own two 40-acre parcels in the town that were part of a controversial mine development. The properties were assessed at $1,496,374, resulting in a $25,580 tax bill for 2005.

The tribes challenged the assessments, which was based on the use of the land as a mine. The 3rd District Court of Appeals agreed that the land should be assessed differently.

The tribes bought the land for $12 million in order to stop the mine. They are seeking refunds of taxes paid for 2005 and 2006. Another lawsuit for another year of assessments is pending.

Separately, the Forest County Potawatomi Community is challenging a land-use agreement with Forest County related to the mine properties.

Get the Story:
Appeals Court ruling on mining land favors tribes (The Milwaukee JOurnal-Sentinel 9/17)
Court: Reconsider taxes on Crandon mine site (AP 9/16)
pwlat
Tribe want money back from Forest County (The Rhinelander Daily News 9/16)

Court Decision:
Forest County Potawatomi Community v. Township of Lincoln (September 16, 2008)