Tax Exemption For Volunteer First Responders Approved

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MAYVILLE, NY (WNY News Now) – In an effort to help encourage and support volunteer fire departments, Chautauqua County lawmakers have approved a tax exemption for first responders.

On Wednesday night the County Legislature unanimously voted to grant volunteer firefighters and emergency medical service technicians a property tax credit.

Robert Bankoski helped to draft the measure. He hopes this legislation will spark a rise in recruitment.

“The reduction, the money that we’re going to receive in taxes is really minuscule compared to the large picture out there,” explained Bankoski. “What price do you put on a human’s life? When you are in need, you call 911, call the fire department they come.”

Legislators say the ten percent property tax exemption also applies to spouses of volunteer firefighters killed in the line of duty and spouses of those with 10-years or more in the fire service; known as so-called “life volunteers.”