Law establishes property tax exemption for volunteer first responders
By unanimous vote today, the Erie County Legislature passed a law that will provide property tax exemptions for volunteer first responders. The local law exempts up to 10% of the assessed value of their primary residence for members who have served a minimum of two years. This effort follows an amendment to NYS Real Property Tax Law signed last month that provides for the property tax exemption.
“We first introduced this law in January. I appreciated the input we received and I’m pleased it has the support of the full legislature. Our volunteers deserve to have some relief,” said Minority Leader John Mills (11th District).
Volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers must live in the community that is served by the district to be eligible, and the exemption is only for a residential property that is the volunteer’s primary district in which they serve.
“This is an important tool to have for recruiting new firefighters. Numbers are down. People have busy lives. Volunteers give of their time, answering the call at all hours. To get a bit of a break on property taxes is the least we can do,” said Legislator Frank Todaro, 8th District. “I would entertain any future proposals from New York State that would help our volunteer first responders.”
“Recruitment and retention are big problems with many of the volunteer fire companies. Hopefully this will help them get their numbers up. If nothing else it provides for some property tax relief. We appreciate all they do for our communities,” said Legislator Chris Greene (6th District).
The measure provides a lifetime exemption benefit to anyone who achieves 20 years of service and extends the lifetime exemption benefit to spouses of deceased first responders with at least 20 years.
“I represent a rural district. I see firsthand the service they provide each and every day. I’m glad our legislation will now become law. I hope our volunteer first responders know how grateful we are for their daily sacrifices,” said Legislator Jim Malczewski (10th District).
