Ulster County schedules hearings on two veteran property‑tax exemptions; county clarifies eligibility

The Ulster County Rules, Laws and Government Services Committee on July 9 set public hearings for two proposed local laws affecting veteran property‑tax exemptions and received staff clarification on eligibility.

Resolution 369 will set a public hearing for proposed Local Law No. 13 of 2026, which would opt Ulster County into the full real property tax exemption authorized by Real Property Tax Law §458‑a(11) for seriously disabled veterans. Legislators Lopez and Peters, sponsors of the measure, told the committee they submitted a memorializing letter to the state and that the state changed problematic language in the statute; municipalities must opt in to make the exemption available locally. The motion to set the hearing passed unanimously.

Resolution 370 will set a public hearing for proposed Local Law No. 14 of 2026, establishing a combat‑zone service exemption under Real Property Tax Law §458‑b. Deputy County Executive Amenta explained the exemption is intended to cover active service in designated combat zones and is limited to one year; an eligible property owner would generally need to refile each year to continue receiving the exemption. Amenta identified current recognized combat zones to include the Sinai Peninsula, Afghanistan, Kosovo and the Arabian Peninsula area (which includes the Persian Gulf) and said service in locations such as Hawaii would not qualify. Officials estimated eligible individuals would likely number in the dozens rather than hundreds in any given year.

Both resolutions to set hearings were adopted by unanimous voice vote. Committee members asked staff to ensure municipalities and potentially affected property owners are informed about the opt‑in requirement and filing obligations ahead of the hearings.