Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy is looking to give a tax break to retired and long time serving volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel.
McCoy is calling for a 10% property tax break.
That break will be available to active members of a volunteer fire company, fire department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service for at least twenty years. It will also be extended to those have since retired with 20 years of service.
Un-remarried surviving spouses of volunteers who lost their lives in the line of duty are also eligible, according to McCoy.
“As a former firefighter, I know the very real sacrifices first responders and their families make each day that these individuals go into work. This new property tax exemption for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel shows them that their bravery and selflessness have not gone unnoticed,” said County Executive McCoy. “But we also know that many communities rely on these volunteer services for their safety, and we need to ensure that positions are filled. It’s my hope that this tax incentive will allow us to attract even more talented individuals to these firehouses and ambulance services.”
If passed by the legislature, this is expected to take effect on January 1st, 2024.
Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin is also pushing for similar legislation for his county. Legislation that, if passed, he says he hopes this tax incentive will help with recruitment and retention. His plan also calls for a 10% tax exemption, but says that first responders would be eligible after two years of service