On Wednesday, February 28, members of the Ogden Town Board unanimously approved measures to expand exemptions for volunteer firefighters, EMS workers and their spouses, and to increase tax exemptions for veterans.
Under current law, enrolled members of an incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department, or incorporated voluntary ambulance service qualify for a partial tax exemption on real property. Historically, spouses of enrolled members who were killed in the line of duty would lose their exemption status if their spouse was killed in the line of duty. With adoption of the Town of Ogden’s Local Law #1 of 2024, un-remarried surviving spouses will now be granted the same exemptions.
Local Law #2 of 2024 increases the maximum real property tax exemption for wartime and combat veterans to align with Monroe County’s new levels. Alternative (Wartime) Veterans will now be eligible for up to $45,000 (Wartime), $75,000 (Combat) and up to $150,000 for service-connected disability. Cold War Veterans will also qualify for a 15% exemption up to $45,000. Additionally, the maximum exemption for Cold War Veterans with a service-connected disability has been increased to $150,000.
“It was such a privilege to join my fellow Town Board members in expanding real property tax exemptions for first responders and military veterans living in our community,” said Ogden Town Supervisor Mike Zale. “Whether it’s serving overseas or responding to a local emergency, these brave men and women can always be counted on to put others before self and to answer our calls for help. There is nothing we can ever do to repay the sacrifices made by our veterans and first responders, but it is my hope that these exemptions will provide extra financial relief to them and their families.”
Local Laws #1 and #2 shall take effect upon filing with the Secretary of State pursuant to Section 27 of the New York Municipal Home Rule Law. Those with questions about these new exemptions, may email the Town of Ogden Asessor’s Office at http://Assessor@ogdenny.com or call 585-617-6107.
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