Loss of casino taxes worries Mahnomen county

The Mahnomen (Minn.) County board is considering an appeal against the Shooting Star Casino's recent approval for trust status.

The federal recognition means the casino, owned by the White Earth Band of Ojibwe Indians, no longer has to pay property taxes. Up until now, it has paid about $1 million a year.

Now, the tribe will only pay $70,000 a year to the city of Mahnomen for municipal services.

With the expected budget shortfall, county board members have frozen capital assets and future hiring. They're also working with state legislators to get assistance.