Ulster County Among First In The State To Increase Veterans Exemptions To The Newly Enhanced Levels
KINGSTON, N.Y. - Ulster County Executive Mike Hein today announced two proposed local laws enhancing the property tax exemptions Ulster County currently grants to its Veterans. Based upon new exemption levels recentlyadopted by the New York State Legislature, this legislation ensures that Ulster County continues to grant its Veterans the most up-to-date exemptions allowable under New York State Real Property Tax Law.
“As Americans we owe a debt to our Veterans that we can never truly repay. This program is designed to help Ulster County recognize the efforts of the brave men and women who have served to protect our life, liberty, and freedom,” said County Executive Mike Hein. “The sacrifices that they make in protecting our communities and our country as a whole deserve nothing less than the fullest measure of our respect. I am proud to propose legislation that will ensure that Ulster County honors those who have put themselves in harm’s way to protect all of us, and look forward to working with the legislature to ensure that Ulster County remains at the forefront of recognizing and honoring our Veterans.
“I look forward to sponsoring this piece of legislation that lets our Veterans know that Ulster County truly respects and appreciates all they have sacrificed for us,” said Legislator Richard Gerentine. “This property tax exemption is a small measure of our gratitude and there is no other group more deserving than the brave men and women who selflessly served our country.”
“I am proud to bring this legislation forward and I thank the County Executive for keeping Ulster County at the forefront of respecting and honoring our Veterans,” said Legislator Thomas J. Briggs. “Our military personnel have done so much for us and we must, in turn, do our part as a community to thank them, and this property tax exemption is just a small part of doing just that.”
“Once again our County Executive Mike Hein has delivered and proven he is a true friend of Veterans,” said Commander of the Ulster County American Legion Ira Weiner. “For those Veterans who own their homes and are on a fixed income this is a godsend, as it will provide welcomed relief.”
The proposed law raises the ceiling for property tax exemptions extended to honorably discharged Veterans and Cold War Veterans to $45,000, with an additional exemption of up to $30,000 for those Veterans who served in a combat zone. The law also provides and additional exemption of up to $150,000 for those Veterans who have suffered a military service-related disability.
Ulster County last updated these property tax exemptions in 2012 as part of a comprehensive initiative by County Executive Hein to provide property tax relief to Veterans, seniors, and first time home buyers. This local law will be submitted to the legislature for review and passage.
