(Oneida Reservation)- The Oneida Nation and Brown County have entered into an intergovernmental agreement designed to outline provisions for two governments to identify compensation for services provided without a tax base. The Oneida Nation recognizes the services provided by local governments and in reciprocation the local governments recognize the services provided by the Oneida Nation. At the crux of these agreements is the fact that the Oneida Nation holds trust property which is protected untaxed property. As a result of our historic treaties the federal government is responsible to protect our land, resources, assets and other interests forever. Oneida employs more than a thousand non-gaming employees who provide governmental services which supplement the depth of services our community receive at not cost to the local taxpayers.
In accordance with the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, therein lies a provision for Tribes to expense revenues to help fund local governments for services.
As two sovereign governments Oneida and Brown County have a service agreement that mitigates the costs associated with services provided within their jurisdictions. The Oneida Nation and Brown County mutually agree to a payment based upon a formula which recognizes the value of Oneida Nation services to their county.
Chairman Tehassi Hill commented on the intergovernmental agreements as “This is a continuance of agreements the Oneida Nation has had in place for more than 30 years. Per Federal-Indian Law, this intergovernmental process is fundamental to positive relations. By following the law the Oneida Nation will avoid duplication, expand opportunity and dedicate ourselves to efficiencies benefitting all residents. We are pleased that we are renewing this agreement today and look forward to the upcoming 15 years of good collaborative governance.”
Chairman Tehassi Hill and Brown County Executive, Troy Streckenbach will sign the agreements at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. This agreement will go into effect November 1, 2023 for 15 years until October 31, 2028.
