January 30, 2007

Emergency workers deserve a token of appreciation
Property tax exemption should be approved for
volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel

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

Minority Leader George Oros (R-C/Cortlandt) and Minority Whip Ursula LaMotte (R-C/Bedford) are calling on the rest of the Board of Legislators to join them in offering some tax relief to volunteer firefighters and other emergency workers who provide invaluable service to residents throughout the county.

“There is no way we can ever fully repay the men and women who always answer the call when emergencies arise,” Oros said. “A property tax exemption on county taxes is a small way for us to show our appreciation.”

“Westchester needs to follow the lead of other counties that have already done this for volunteers in their municipalities,” LaMotte said. “I would hate to imagine what it would be like not having firefighters or ambulance personnel just a phone call away.”

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 also said 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.