Watch the News Conference Here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gw191t-oxQ
County Executive Ken Jenkins signed legislation today that gives volunteer firefighters and ambulance corps members a break on their County property taxes, regardless of the location of their service in Westchester.
Jenkins proposed the legislation back in January to close a loophole that only provided a 10% County property tax exemption to volunteers who served in the community where they lived.
Jenkins said: “By expanding the tax exemption to include those who serve anywhere within Westchester, we aim to support our volunteer fire and EMS agencies and enhance the recruitment and retention of essential volunteers. We are grateful for the brave and skillful service of our volunteer first responders, regardless of whether they provide that service in their home community or elsewhere in our County.”
Jenkins thanked the Westchester County Board of Legislators for passing this legislation and for their partnership in supporting volunteer fire and EMS personnel. He noted that the new County law aligns with changes to the New York State Real Property Tax Law, which allowed the exemption to extend to volunteers serving anywhere in the County.
Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services Susan Spear said: “The Department of Emergency Services thanks County Executive Ken Jenkins and the Board of Legislators for their leadership and support for Westchester’s EMS and Fire volunteers. This legislation provides an important recruitment and retention opportunity for volunteer EMS and Fire departments. Our dedicated volunteers help save significant property tax dollars. So as both a taxpayer savings and in appreciation of the service our EMS and Fire volunteers provide, this legislation is an important step forward.”