ANCRAM—Qualifying volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers who live in and serve the Town of Ancram are now by law eligible for a real property tax exemption of up to 10% of the assessed value of real property they own.
Following a public hearing on Local Law #1 of 2023 at the February 16 Town Board meeting, a majority of board members voted to adopt the new tax exemption law which was authorized by the state in December.
During discussion on the new law after it was introduced by Supervisor Art Bassin at the January 19 Town Board meeting, Councilmember and Ancram Fire Chief David Boice said the new law will be a good step to help out with Ancram’s volunteer fire organization. The currently in place Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) is similar to a retirement program and is designed to retain and reward firefighters for their service to the community.
Mr. Boice said while LOSAP assists current and future firefighters it doesn’t help past firefighters, but the new tax exemption will in some cases. Read more…