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Tompkins County approves higher low‑income senior property‑tax exemption, 15–1
Summary
The Tompkins County Legislature voted 15–1 to adopt a local law increasing the maximum low‑income senior property‑tax exemption from 50% to 65% under RPTL §467; sponsors said the change targets low‑income seniors and provides relief while opponents raised distributional concerns.
The Tompkins County Legislature voted 15–1 on Feb. 17 to adopt a local law raising the maximum low‑income senior property‑tax exemption from 50% to 65% under New York State Real Property Tax Law §467.
Christie Bianconi, who introduced the measure, said the change "gives some relief to folks in our community who may be struggling with mortgage rates" and that the county has limited levers to help residents on fixed incomes. She asked colleagues to support the resolution.
Legislator Judith Hubbard said she had been "torn" but ultimately supported the law after discussion with the sponsor. Hubbard noted the exemption shifts tax burden among property owners and emphasized the rule would apply to seniors below income thresholds; she argued the measure could reduce other county costs by helping seniors remain in their homes. Lee Shurtleff also spoke in favor, citing reduced downstream costs to taxpayers if seniors avoid institutional care.
The roll call vote was 15 in favor and 1 opposed (Dan Wakeman). Chair Shawna Black announced "That motion passes" after the vote. The local law amends county adoption of the referenced RPTL provision to increase the maximum exemption available to qualifying low‑income seniors; specific income thresholds and implementation details are set in the adopted local law.
