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Town adopts law extending property tax exemption to mutual‑aid volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers
Summary
The Town of Newburgh adopted Local Law No. 1 of 2025 to extend its property tax exemption to volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers who provide mutual‑aid services to neighboring municipalities; the measure passed 4‑0 on April 14, 2025.
The Town of Newburgh Board unanimously approved Local Law No. 1 of 2025 on April 14, extending the town’s property tax exemption for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers to those who provide services to neighboring cities, towns or villages.
Town Attorney Mark C. Taylor presented the law at the public hearing, citing New York Real Property Tax Law Section 466‑L as authorization for local taxing jurisdictions to extend the benefit. The law allows an enrolled, qualified member of an incorporated volunteer fire company or voluntary ambulance service to claim the exemption if the member resides in the Town of Newburgh and the department serves the town or a neighboring municipality. Applicants must certify primary residence and file proof of at least two years of service. The law also includes a provision granting a 10% lifetime exemption to members who serve Orange County with more than 20 years of active service and appropriate certification.
Supporters in the public hearing said the change will help recruitment and retention. Public commenter Bill Fedder said, “These volunteers deserve this tax exemption, I hear the fire whistle going off all hours. I am in full support of this local law.” Town Clerk Lisa M. Vance Ayers confirmed public notices met statutory requirements before the hearing opened.
MOTION: Councilman James Politi moved to adopt Local Law No. 1 of 2025; motion seconded by Councilman Anthony R. LoBiondo. VOTE: Ruggiero — yes; Manley — yes; LoBiondo — yes; Politi — yes; Piaquadio — absent. Outcome: approved.
Why it matters: Board materials state the town adopted the extension to promote recruitment and retention by volunteer emergency organizations that provide mutual aid, with specific eligibility and filing requirements intended to limit the exemption to primary residences and verified volunteers. The law takes effect upon filing with the New York Secretary of State.
