Acoma Pueblo Takes Property Tax Fight To Federal Court

ACOMA PUEBLO, N.M. (AP) — Acoma Pueblo has launched a legal fight, arguing that a more than century-old federal law prevents local and state officials from collecting property tax on tribally-owned land even if it's located outside of the tribe's recognized boundaries. The tribe filed its lawsuit in federal court in Las Cruces earlier this month. New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Secretary Demesia Padilla and Cibola County Treasurer Geraldine Rael are named as defendants. The pueblo received a delinquent tax notice in September, saying more than $30,000 was owed and that the land would be sold if the bill wasn't paid. The tribe argues the county and state have no authority to collect taxes on two commercial tracts the tribe purchased in 2004. It points to a 1905 federal law, saying the land is exempt.