Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Veterans Tax Exemption topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Butler adopts ordinance creating procedure for totally disabled veterans' property tax exemption
Summary
Council passed Ordinance 2026-06 establishing a municipal procedure for totally disabled veterans' property tax exemptions; Borough Attorney said the ordinance does not permit retroactive refunds and surviving-spouse rules are specified in the text.
The Butler Borough Council on May 19 adopted Ordinance 2026-06 to add a procedure to the municipal code allowing totally disabled veterans — or surviving spouses who meet specified conditions — to claim a municipal property tax exemption.
At the public hearing Peggy Spranzani asked how the ordinance would affect residents currently getting relief. Borough Attorney Robert Oostdyk replied it "doesn't allow for retroactive refunds" and that the exemption begins on the date an eligible applicant files the required paperwork with the Tax Assessor's office.
What the ordinance says: The ordinance adds Article III to Chapter 210 of the borough code, defining eligibility as a veteran honorably discharged and rated 100% permanently and totally disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Applicants must file a written claim under oath, provide proof of honorable discharge, a VA letter certifying service‑connected disability and a property description. Surviving spouses must show ownership, occupancy as legal residence, VA disability or service‑death certification, and that they have not remarried. The ordinance explicitly states the borough will prorate a granted exemption for the remainder of the year of application and that "there shall be no retroactive refund".
How the vote went: The public hearing was closed and Council moved to adopt Ordinance 2026-06 (motion by MacDonald, second by Guzman). The vote was Aye from Councilmen Calvi, Guzman, MacDonald and Council President Verdonik; Meier and Piccirillo were absent.
Next steps: The ordinance takes effect immediately after final passage and publication in the manner provided by law; staff are directed to make the necessary forms available through the Tax Assessor's office.
