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Brian Adey
 798-5800

Oneida County Executive Joseph A. Griffo today announced that he will ask the Oneida County Board of Legislators and the New York State Legislature to approve laws that will allow Oneida County volunteer firefighters to receive property tax exemptions.

"Volunteer firefighters are the first line of defense in our rural and suburban communities," Griffo said. "They are the everyday heroes who are called upon at all hours of the day or night when their neighbors and friends face an emergency situation. Yet while the need for dedicated firefighters grows, our volunteer fire departments are facing increased difficulties in recruiting men and women to devote their time to these historic and vital parts of our communities. This exemption is a way of showing our appreciation for these hometown heroes who are so important across Oneida County."

Griffo said the exemption would amount to 10 percent of a house’s assessed value up to $3,000 multiplied by the latest equalization rate. The exemption will reduce the county tax bill between $20 and $30 for an average firefighter’s home. "The exemption is a token of the gratitude we feel toward our volunteer firefighters and the appreciation we have for their services," Griffo said, noting that this exemption could be approved by villages, towns, and school districts to multiply the benefit to the county’s roughly 2,400 volunteer firefighters.

"Through the diligent research of Clinton Mayor Robert Goering, we have learned that a state law now exists providing these benefits to individuals in a select few counties. Senator Raymond Meier has already indicated his support for a home rule message and State Assemblyman David Townsend has drafted legislation and indicated his support as well to expand this to cover Oneida County, if the County Board of Legislators will approve the exemption. I call upon our legislators to act as soon as possible so that we can have this exemption passed during the next state legislative session."

Griffo said the exemption would be granted to firefighters who have been enrolled in their departments for at least five years, own their primary residence, reside in Oneida County, have no other exemptions, and own single family residences.

"Volunteer Fire Departments are the backbone of homeland security and emergency services for our rural and suburban communities," Griffo said. "This exemption rewards volunteers who give thousands of hours every year to serve and protect their communities."