Property Tax Exemption for Volunteer First Responders Bill Becomes Law

Rockland Daily Staff

Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick and Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski announced today that volunteer firefighters and ambulance corps members will now be able to receive a tax credit provided by their local government. 

The bill, authored by the two Rockland legislators, was signed into practice today by the governor. It is now up to local governments to decide whether to adopt a local law to exempt up to 10% of the assessed value of a primary home for volunteers who have been members of a volunteer fire department or ambulance service for at least two years.

"This is a big win that will be celebrated by volunteer first responders," says Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, "especially when they are able to enjoy the savings on their property tax bill. Volunteer first responders have served Rockland for more than a century and a half, and we must do everything we can to support those who serve today and provide tools to ensure the sustainability of volunteer companies for the future."

"The volunteer first responders who serve our community work hard every day to keep our communities safe," says  Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski, "and this law will demonstrate our appreciation for their work. It is also imperative that we work to ensure that our volunteer fire departments and ambulance corps are able to effectively retain and recruit members. This law will go a long way toward ensuring that."

"Volunteers are a critical part of our ability to serve our community," says Ephraim Tauber, Chief of Spring Hill Community Ambulance Corps. "We are grateful to Senator Reichlin-Melnick and Assemblyman Zebrowski for their leadership in helping volunteer first responders."