Town approves volunteer firefighter exemption and settles tax certiorari for Webb Properties

The Town Board approved two assessor-related items at the Jan. 27 workshop: authorization to proceed with a local law to grant a school‑tax exemption to volunteer firefighters and ambulance volunteers, and a settlement of tax‑certiorari claims affecting a property managed by Webb Properties, Inc. with JP Morgan Chase listed as tenant.

Assessor Molly Carhart presented the local‑option exemption information, noting that the exemption—if the town enacts the local law—applies to the school tax bill and may be extended at local option to the town and highway portions of the bill. The exemption would affect volunteers who serve in the Milton, Marlboro and Modena volunteer fire departments. Councilman James Politi moved to approve preparing a local law (to be drafted by the town attorney Mark C. Taylor); the motion passed unanimously.

Carhart also presented a proposed settlement of tax‑certiorari claims for assessment years 2021–2024 involving Webb Properties, Inc. The settlement reduces the assessed value from $364,000 to $350,000 (a $14,000 reduction). The minutes list estimated refund liabilities by taxing entity: the town’s portion approximately $832.12 (versus a claimed refund liability of about $14,388.72 under the claim), the Goodwill Fire District approximately $350.56, Newburgh School District approximately $4,057.32 and a library refund of approximately $209.95. Councilman Scott Manley moved approval of the settlement and the board voted unanimously to approve it. The School District’s counsel was noted as signing the stipulation of settlement.