It’s a case of simple economics. The Suquamish Tribe and Port Madison Enterprises can save themselves about $460,000 each year by removing the Clearwater Casino from the Kitsap County tax rolls and transferring the property into trust.

Sure the move will pull the rug out from some agencies that depend on property taxes for 2005 and shift the burden to the rest of us from thereon out but, honestly, can you blame them? Immediately following the announcement, the public cry went out to block the removal. Concerned citizens called up the county commissioners to act.

In putting the land in trust, the tribe is basically doing what numerous other tribes have done across the state and nation. Did residents here really think this day would never come and that the Suquamish Tribe wouldn’t realize about a half million reasons to make the transfer?

That’s a pretty unrealistic view of things. The casino is, after all a business, and the Appendix X funds it creates assist the community throughout the year as it now stands. Would these concerned citizens really take the “high road” and continue paying fees to the county that they’re not required to pay?

Certainly, these folks can counter that the tribe is simply being greedy and that the casino’s negative impacts far outweigh the positive ones. That while the tribe is doing some things, it should do much more in terms of mitigation.

The loss to the tax base is significant but if Uncle Sam offered you a chance to no longer pay property taxes on your home or business what would you a little soul searching before you answer that one.