WGXC-90.7 FM

Veterans make fourth request for tax break from Greenville school district

Mar 05, 2018 5:45 am

Andrea Macko is reporting for the Greenville Pioneer armed services veterans who own property in the Greenville Central School District have again appealed to the board of education asking that the Veterans Alternative Tax Exemption be adopted. The exemption, signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2013, allows New York school districts the option of offering veterans a real property tax exemption. Since that time, Greenville veterans have approached the Greenville board asking the exemption be adopted. Greenville American Legion Post 291 Commander James Goode, Jr. made the most recent request during a board meeting, February 12. Goode said he could understand the board's concern about the exemption after it was first introduced; however, in Greenville the measure has been rejected twice and was prevented from reaching a vote the third time, despite public support for the exemption. "All of this aside, I am hopeful that this past year you have given time to reconsider your position and the necessary impact it holds with our veterans.” Goode said. Board members have expressed concern about how the exemption could impact district families that struggle financially. With a tax base comprised of 11 different towns, the financial impact of the exemption on non-veteran taxpayers would vary from town to town. If the exemption were adopted at the minimum level, the average impact on a property assessed at $125,000 could result in a tax bill increase of anywhere from $23 to $41 per year. The board of education has not indicated if it would consider the exemption for the 2018-19 school year. Read the full story in the Greenville Pioneer.