Monroe County Executive Adam Bello proposed a local law on July 14 that would lower property tax bills for qualifying local veterans.
The proposed legislation would opt the county into New York State’s expanded real property tax exemption program which allows local taxing jurisdictions to offer property tax exemptions to qualified veterans based on their military service.
Applicants must be an honorably discharged veteran and be considered permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service to qualify. The exemption would apply only to a veteran’s primary residence and would reduce the county portion of the property tax bill.
“Our veterans stepped up and sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms, and it is our responsibility to ensure they are supported when they return home,” Bello said. “By adopting this state exemption program, we are providing tangible, long-overdue property tax relief directly to the men and women who earned it.”
If the Legislature approves the proposal, the property tax exemption’s application process will be administered through the city or town assessor’s office where the property is located.
The Monroe County Veterans Service Agency will be available to assist veterans with paperwork and securing the discharge and service records required to verify eligibility.
Monroe County Legislature is scheduled to vote on the legislation during its meeting in August.
— Kerria Weaver works as the Government and You reporter for the Democrat and Chronicle, with a focus on how government actions affect communities and neighborhoods in Rochester and in Monroe County.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Monroe County may cut property taxes for disabled veterans
Reporting by Kerria Weaver, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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By Kerria Weaver, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle | USA TODAY Network
