Legislation proposed to expand volunteers’ tax exemption

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins’ administration has prepared legislation for the County Board of Legislators to consider that would expand availability of the county’s property tax exemption for volunteer firefighters and ambulance service members.

At present, the 10% exemption is available to volunteers who have been serving as firefighters or ambulance workers for at least two years and volunteer in the community in which they live. The new law would make the exemption available regardless of where in Westchester County the individual lives.

“Volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers are the backbone of our emergency services, selflessly dedicating their time and energy to keeping our communities safe,” Jenkins said. “We deeply value and appreciate their bravery and commitment every single day. By expanding the tax exemption to include those serving anywhere within Westchester County, we aim to support their efforts, enhance recruitment, and retain these essential volunteers.”

Jenkins announced the new legislation during an event at the County Office Building in White Plains that was attended by legislators including Legislature Chairman Vedat Gashi, volunteers and county staff. Gashi said  that he was anxious to bring the bill before the full legislature as soon as possible.

The county legislation aligns with recent changes to the New York State Real Property Tax Law, allowing property tax exemptions to extend to volunteers serving in neighboring municipalities within a county.

According to County Department of Emergency Services Commissioner Susan Spear, “This legislation creates an important recruitment and retention opportunity for volunteer departments. It also creates an important public benefit since our dedicated fire and EMS volunteers provide a significant savings in property taxpayer dollars.”

Martin Gunther, vice president of the Westchester County Volunteer Firefighter’s Association, said, “The tax break will not only support our pursuit of recruitment and retention, but will also positively impact the lives of our volunteers, both firefighters and EMS alike.”

“All of our volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel serve our communities with dedication and skill,” Jenkins said. “They train regularly to become proficient and to remain proficient in the skills they need to keep the rest of us safe. This training commitment alone requires a substantial amount of time away from their families and their loved ones so they can take care of others when the need arises. By expanding our county tax exemption to include those serving anywhere in Westchester County we aim to support their efforts, enhance recruitment and retain these essential volunteers.”