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Greece school board schedules public hearing on veterans school-tax exemption after residents urge action
Summary
Several residents urged the Greece Central School District to adopt a school-tax exemption for qualified veterans; the board voted 9-0 to schedule a public hearing for Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m.
Members of the public urged the Greece Central School District Board of Education to adopt a school-tax exemption for qualified veterans, and the board voted to hold a public hearing on the proposal.
Daniel Perna, commander of American Legion Post 468 in Greece, told the board he represents ‘‘over 1,000 members and families’’ in the town and asked the board to provide a school-tax exemption for all qualified veterans residing in the district. He said the proposal would mirror guidelines used by Monroe County for town and county taxes and that similar exemptions already exist in several nearby districts.
The issue drew follow-up remarks from Timothy Smith, who said he previously petitioned the board on Jan. 7 and that a public hearing is required by a 2013 amendment to the New York State real property tax law. Smith said the district study showed 3,829 veterans currently receive town and county exemptions and estimated a maximum tax impact of $0.48 per $1,000 of assessed value for nonveteran taxpayers on the 2025 school tax bills. He also cited two state bills—Senate Bill S3982 and Assembly Bill A3199—pending signature that he said would have the state cover costs associated with any veteran exemption.
Other speakers including Daniel Ostrander urged the board to act as a gesture of gratitude and to help veterans on fixed incomes.
Board President Maloney moved, and Vice President Farmer seconded, a resolution to hold a public hearing. After roll call, the motion passed 9–0. The board set the hearing for Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the district building; a sign-up sheet will be available the night of the hearing and the board clerk, Laurie Manhart, can add speakers in advance.
The board and petitioners framed the change as adopting an exemption that would follow Monroe County's guidelines; speakers asked that the board schedule the required public hearing and subsequent vote, while emphasizing the possible budget impact cited in the district study.
The board did not vote on adopting the exemption at the meeting; it only scheduled the public hearing and thus no final policy or fiscal decision was made.
