By Scott McKie B.P.
One Feather staff
The per capita distribution for December for enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is down 7 percent from this time last year. Karen Kennedy, EBCI Financial Operations director, reported to Tribal Council on Thursday, Nov. 4 that the payments will be $4,154 compared to $4,473 in December 2008. The payments were $5,027 in December 2007.
She said there will not be a mandatory withholding this year and related that if taxes are withheld, the amount will be $3,531.
Kennedy stated that several factors affected this year’s per capita including increased enrollment which is up 1.3% (186 people) from last year and a 6 percent decrease in gaming revenue.
