MCS OKs Modified Exemption for Emergency Workers

MIDDLEBURGH - Middleburgh school board members have approved a modified version of property tax exemption law for emergency workers.

Just before the Thanksgiving break, school board members approved an exemption for volunteer firefighters and ambulance volunteers. To qualify for the exemption, volunteers need to have two years of service for an exemption of 10 percent of the assessed value of the property.

The volunteers also have to: apply a timely exemption application with the applicable town assessor; be an enrolled member of an incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department, or incorporated voluntary ambulance service residing in Albany or Schoharie County; reside in the town, or village which is served by such incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service; own the property, which is the primary residence of the applicant; the property is used exclusively for residential purposes (or a portion of the property is used for applicant’s residence as outlined in the statute); and the applicant obtains and provides a certification from the incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service stating he/she is an enrolled member with at least two years of service.

Board members did not approve the following provisions:

* 20 years of service, life of the applicant.

* 20 years of service, un-remarried spouses.

* Five years of service, un-remarried spouses; line of duty death