Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I am thrilled to share some exciting news that will positively impact our dedicated volunteer firefighters. The New York State Legislature has recently passed a significant piece of legislation aimed at supporting those who serve as the backbone of our emergency services.
Currently, volunteer firefighters must reside in the community they serve to qualify for a 10% exemption on their property tax assessment. However, recognizing the challenges this poses, the New York State Senate and Assembly have enacted a new bill that broadens this benefit.
The newly passed legislation will allow municipalities the option to extend the 10% property tax exemption to emergency medical services (EMS) and fire volunteers who reside in one jurisdiction but volunteer in another. This change is designed to encourage more participation in volunteer fire and EMS services, regardless of municipal boundaries.
This legislation is awaiting the Governor's signature and each municipality will need to proactively adopt this benefit.
This change comes in response to several concerns voiced by our volunteers, who found themselves ineligible for the tax exemption due to not residing in the communities where they volunteer. With this new legislation—identified as S2862A/A2121A, titled "An act to amend the real property tax law, in relation to volunteer firefighter and ambulance worker benefits"—these issues are being addressed directly. It allows our brave volunteers the same benefits they would receive if they served within their own communities.
Sincerely,
Margaret A. Cunzio
Legislator, 3rd District
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