New Mexico gets $2.17 million from tribes

Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2000 | 8:58 a.m.

Santa Ana Pueblo paid nearly $1.77 million, and Acoma Pueblo paid $404,475, the state treasurer's office said Tuesday.

Tuesday was the due date for payments for the October-December quarter.

Under 1997 state-tribal gambling compacts, Indian casinos are required to pay the state 16 percent of their slot machine proceeds, along with fixed regulatory fees.

The tribes contend the requirements are illegally high, and last quarter only five of the 11 tribes with casinos made any payments. A total of $6.2 million was collected.

Only three tribes, including Santa Ana, have been paying in full. Acoma and one other tribe have been paying at a reduced rate.

Tribes want the Legislature during the current 30-day session to approve new compacts with lower payment requirements. They have proposed to pay 6.7 percent of their slot machine proceeds, and to make back payments in full to the state in order to sign the new agreements.

A legislative committee, which proposed a 9.2 percent rate, is considering the tribal offer. A Saturday hearing is planned.