Emergency workers have earned a tax break
County motor vehicle use tax should be waived for qualified EMS workers and volunteer firefighters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 18, 2007

Contact: George Oros,Tel: (914) 995-2828, Oros@westchesterlegislators.com

Westchester County Legislator George Oros (R-C/Cortlandt) is calling on the rest of the Board of Legislators to waive the county’s motor vehicle use tax for volunteer firefighters and other emergency workers who provide invaluable service by protecting residents throughout the county.

The tax exemption would apply to any volunteer emergency services individual who uses his or her personal vehicle to respond to a specified number of fires, accidents or any other emergency calls.

“There is no way we can ever fully repay the men and women who always answer the call when emergencies arise,” Oros said. “This tax exemption would be just another way for us to say thank you.”

Exempting volunteers from the motor vehicle use tax would save them between $15-$30 whenever they register a vehicle.

Earlier this year, Oros and fellow Legislator Ursula LaMotte (R-C/Bedford) proposed a property tax exemption for emergency services workers.

In 2002, New York State authorized municipalities in several counties to provide a retention and recruitment incentive for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers through a partial real property tax exemption.

There are approximately 130,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel in New York.

The amount of the exemption for certain counties is limited to 10% of the assessed value of the property, up to a maximum of $3,000, multiplied by the latest state equalization rate. If adopted in Westchester, the exemption would reduce the county tax bill for qualified volunteers by as much as $100.

“With all taxes on the rise, any savings for property owners would be welcomed,” Oros said.

Oros and LaMotte maintained the property tax exemption could help attract new volunteers in town and villages in Westchester and retain existing skilled emergency workers who sacrifice countless hours for their communities.