As volunteer fire companies struggle to recruit new volunteers, the Albany County Legislature adopted Local Law B of 2023 on Monday, creating the "Albany County Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Workers Tax Exemption" to give local companies another tool in their efforts to strengthen recruitment and retention efforts. Local Law B is an update to legislation adopted by the Legislature in 2007, which provided a similar benefit. Recent changes to the state law allowing other taxing jurisdictions to join the County in this endeavor were a welcome change.

The local law, which was sponsored by Menands Legislator Alison McLean Lane, provides a partial property tax exemption —ten percent of the assessed value of the property —to active volunteer firefighters and active volunteer ambulance service workers, residing in Albany County, with at least two years of service. For volunteers with over 20 years of service, the exemption continues for their lifetime. Also included is the provision to extend the tax benefits to un-remarried surviving spouses of volunteer firefighters or volunteer ambulance service workers who are killed in the line of duty.

"I am proud to sponsor with many of my colleagues Albany County's Local Law B which provides a 10% property tax exemption to eligible volunteer firefighter and ambulance workers. The 14th legislative district which I represent, like much of Albany County, is reliant on volunteer fire departments and the crucial, life-saving services they provide. They are provided by volunteers who put our lives and safety first, and their own second. In fact, my husband is here today because of Colonie's volunteer emergency medical technicians and we are forever grateful to Colonie EMS. This 10% property tax exemption comes off of the village, town, and county property tax obligation. We hope it provides relief for these members and encourages new members to join the honored ranks of volunteer fire and ambulance in Albany County."

"When emergencies happen, we rely on our emergency responders, oftentimes volunteers, to step in and help resolve the situation quickly and safely. In many parts of the County, it's our volunteer firefighters who we rely on for this service," said Albany County Legislature Chairman Andrew Joyce. "This is a great way to incentivize new volunteers and ensure a strong workforce. I'm happy to join Legislator McLean Lane in offering this tax exemption as a show of our appreciation for their hard work, and as a way to encourage the next generation of volunteer firefighters and emergency services personnel to get involved and serve their community."

"This tax exemption will give people throughout the County an incentive to join up with a department and subsequently stay in their communities", said Chief Michael Romano, Fuller Road Fire Department. "This is a great benefit financially and we know that everybody can use some help."

The law will take effect on January 1st, 2024. Volunteers will have to submit their application for the exemption to their city, town, or village assessor.