Veterans living in Niagara County are set to receive an increase in their county property tax exemptions following a unanimous vote from the Legislature at its Tuesday meeting.
A public hearing on the resolution garnered no comment or question before the meeting began, but when it came onto the floor, Legislator Dave Godfrey, who is also a Vietnam veteran, spoke.
“I wanted to thank our veterans out there for their dedication, not only themselves but their families that give to this country,” he said. “It’s been a long time, probably 10 years-plus since we really looked at these numbers and we’re trying to bring them in line with today’s dollar, from what it’s worth today.”
However, Godfrey also noted that this exemption is only for the county property tax on residents’ bills.
“I don’t want people to think this is on all their taxes. It’s strictly for your assessment of county property taxes. But we’re bringing that level up for our veterans. … For the few pennies that every taxpayer is going to pay — I mean pennies! — I don’t think there’s anybody out there who would be against supporting our veterans who have dedicated their lives to serving this country,” he said.
The three lines of exemption include veterans who were in non-combat positions during wartime, combat veterans and veterans disabled due to combat. For non-combat veterans, their $18,000 exemption is increasing to $30,000, combat veterans’s exemptions will rise to $50,000 from $30,000, and a disabled veteran will receive that $50,000 exemption plus a percentage of his or her disability capping at $100,000.
The amount for the exemption was increased after a veteran called Legislator Irene Meyers and asked that the numbers be looked at again.
“He called and expressed concern that the exemption hadn’t increased. I responded and we spoke via email, and then I contacted the legislature — got that mojo going — and I’m proud we were able to support our veterans because they absolutely deserve it,” Meyers said.
Vietnam veteran Gordy Bellinger reacted with surprise at the action of the county legislature.
“I’m very grateful they decided to honor the veterans who served our country,” he said.
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