Notice of Public Hearing - Tuesday, February 15, 2022
The HF-L First Responders Tax Exemption Public Hearing is scheduled to take place prior to the next Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at 6:00 p.m., in the High School Cafeteria. For individuals interested in a Zoom option, information below:
Public Hearing Webinar Zoom and Passcode: https://zoom.us/j/96871752486?pwd=blBIR2hqQWVZN3VBTHVNQWs1TEFvZz09 Passcode: 757161
Recently approved Real Property Tax Law §466-K provides that municipal governments in Monroe County may provide a 10% exemption on the assessed value of the principal residence of a volunteer firefighter or ambulance attendant. Qualifying volunteer first responders will need to serve for two years before obtaining this exemption. Once a first responder serves for 20 years, the exemption becomes permanent. Should the Board of Education choose to "opt-in" to this exemption, they are required to hold a public hearing and adopt a resolution authorizing this exemption. This resolution would need to be adopted by March 1n of the tax year it is implemented.
A preliminary investigation has found:
• The primary argument in favor exemption is that it will increase volunteerism and potentially
reduce the need for a community to hire a professional first-responder.
• This legislation is similar to the veteran's exemption in that it has no impact on the school
district's revenue. It simply shifts taxes from one homeowner to another property owner.