Hendrick Hudson board agrees to study volunteer first‑responder tax exemption, sets public‑hearing timeline

The Hendrick Hudson Central School District board on Dec. 3 authorized staff to pursue further study of a volunteer first‑responder property‑tax exemption and to prepare materials for a public‑hearing process if the board chooses to advance the measure.

Joe, the administration presenter, explained that state law allows school districts to adopt an exemption of up to 10% of assessed value (with a maximum full‑value reduction commonly described in local examples as $3,000) for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers who meet minimum years‑of‑service requirements (typically two to five years) and who apply to the assessor by the district deadline (March 1). He noted volunteers who claim the state volunteer income‑tax credit cannot also take the local school exemption.

Using town‑level data, the administration ran an example: 34 eligible homeowners would remove about $19,936 from taxable assessed value in the sample, which would slightly raise the tax rate for other payers; on a $500,000 home the example equated to roughly $3.42 annually in the presented scenario. The district stressed the actual impact depends on how many residents are eligible and apply.

The board then took a roll‑call check about whether to proceed with formal study and public hearings. Board member Allison said, “I vote yes,” and Corey also signaled support; other trustees also indicated agreement. The administration will draft the required notices, hold public comment and a hearing, and return a resolution for possible adoption at a future meeting.