Some Say Property Tax Exemption May Not Benefit Canton, NY, Firefighters, EMS Workers

Aug. 22—CANTON — Town Supervisor Mary Ann Ashley on Aug. 13 introduced a public hearing on a proposed local law that would grant a 10% property tax exemption to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers.

The hearing at Canton Town Hall drew comments from residents and emergency service members, some of whom questioned the fairness and adequacy of the exemption.

"A large portion of the volunteer firefighters are actually non-land owners, so are they getting the benefit of the 10%?" Mark Bomyea of the Rensselaer Falls Fire Department said.

Another noted its potential to help with recruitment and retention.

"It does help with recruitment and retention of fire departments, which I think everybody up here is probably aware of — is very difficult, not enough people joining in and staying involved," Troy Parla said.

Some residents argued the exemption should be larger, while others pointed out that not all volunteers would benefit, since many do not own property.

"Not everybody's going to get it because of their situation. Mark's right. There's so many of them that don't own property, but those who do, I think it's another step towards incentivizing," said James Blackburn, also of the Rensselaer Falls Fire and Rescue.

A key question raised during the hearing was whether the exemption would apply per firefighter or per household, particularly in cases where multiple volunteers live in the same home. Town officials said they would seek guidance from the state Department of Taxation and Finance on the issue.

Despite the need for clarification, the town board voted to adopt the local law, which allows for the maximum exemption permitted by state statute. The law is intended to recognize the contributions of volunteer emergency service members and provide a modest financial incentive for their service.

The board assigned Attorney Eric Gustofson to seek official guidance on the exemption's application and to proceed with adopting the law. The exemption is set to take effect pending any further state guidance.

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