Lawmakers in Cayuga County, New York, voted 14-1 to appeal a decision that allows the Cayuga Nation to sell tax-free tobacco products.

Authorities in Cayuga and Seneca counties raided the tribe's two smoke shops last November. The counties claimed the facilities were not on reservation land, an argument rejected by the state appellate court last week.

The tribe has resumed the sale of cigarettes at the smoke shops and offered to pay the counties' legal bills if they dropped the case. The tribe also said it won't pursue a lawsuit for millions of dollars of damages from lost sales.

Get the Story:
Cayuga County Legislature votes to reject Cayuga nation's offer, take dispute to state's highest court (The Syracuse Post-Standard 7/15)

New York Appellate Division Decision:
Cayuga Nation v. Gould (July 10, 2009)

New York Supreme Court Decision:
Cayuga Nation v. Gould (December 9, 2008)

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Cayuga Nation offers settlement in tobacco case (7/14)
Cayuga Nation wins tobacco taxation decision (7/13)
Battle over Cayuga Nation tobacco continues (3/6)
Cayuga Nation halts sale of tax-free cigarettes (2/20)
Judge rules against Cayuga Nation tobacco sales (2/19)
Cayuga Nation to reopen disputed smoke shops (01/30)
Court halts Cayuga Nation tobacco prosecution (01/22)
Cayuga Nation seeks halt to tobacco prosecution (1/13)
Cayuga Nation plans to fight tobacco tax charges (12/10)
Cayuga Nation in court over raid of smokeshops (12/4)
Cayuga Nation claims 'reservation' exemption (12/2)
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County authorities raid Cayuga Nation smoke shops (11/26)