Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy today announced that he is introducing new legislation to the Albany County Legislature that would provide 10% real property tax exemptions to volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel. This exemption will be eligible for Albany County residents who are enrolled members of an incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service that provide such services within the county. 

“As a former firefighter, I know the very real sacrifices first responders and their families make each day that these individuals go into work. This new property tax exemption for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel shows them that their bravery and selflessness have not gone unnoticed,” said County Executive McCoy. “But we also know that many communities rely on these volunteer services for their safety, and we need to ensure that positions are filled. It’s my hope that this tax incentive will allow us to attract even more talented individuals to these firehouses and ambulance services.” 

For those who have been active members of an incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service for at least twenty years and who have since retired, they would be granted the 10% tax exemption for the remainder of their lives. Additionally, the un-remarried surviving spouses of volunteers who lost their lives in the line of duty or otherwise are also eligible for the property tax exemption under specifically designated circumstances. 

The local law that will be formally introduced by County Executive McCoy to the County Legislature will be sponsored by the Majority Leader of the Legislature, Dennis Feeney. 

"Volunteer firefighters are the very backbone of emergency response and rescue operations in so many communities in Albany County," Albany County Legislature Chairman Andrew Joyce said. "The Albany County Legislature has been working closely with our Director of Real Property and the County Executive's team to make this idea a reality at a time where the number of volunteer firefighters are dwindling. It's our expectation that tax exemptions, better compensation and more training options will draw more brave individuals into the volunteer fire and emergency medical services."

“This is such an important initiative. It is increasingly difficult to get individuals to fill these positions and this is just one thing that the County can do to assist in the recruitment for volunteer firefighters and EMS workers,” said Majority Leader Dennis Feeney.

“The Republican & Conservative Conference of the Albany County Legislature is in full support of pursuing this important benefit for those who put their lives on the line in the name of public safety,” said Minority Leader Frank A. Mauriello. “As a former Commissioner of the Midway Fire District, Town of Colonie, I can attest to the need for enhanced recruiting benefits for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers. Besides the recruiting aspect to this exemption, as a society it’s important that we recognize the sacrifices these individuals make, and enacting a property tax exemption will go a long way in offsetting the long hours of training and dangerous situations our volunteers subject themselves to.”

Once passed by the full Albany County Legislature, this local law will take effect on January 1, 2024 and shall apply to taxable status dates occurring on or after such date.