Black Brook looking to offer property tax exemption for fire, EMS volunteers

AU SABLE FORKS | Town of Black Brook officials are looking to adopt a property tax exemption reducing the assessed value of a volunteer firefighter's or ambulance volunteer's primary residence by 10%. This exemption would affect volunteer firefighters and EMS volunteers who serve both the Au Sable Forks and Saranac Fire Departments and whose primary residences are within the Town of Black Brook. "I have talked to quite a few people, and I didn't hear one negative thing," said Town of Black Brook Councilor Stephen Bombard during the public hearing on July 13. "Everybody's very much on board to help them out." Town officials were looking to formally pass a proposed local law to recognize and support their dedicated service at the board meeting following the public hearing; however, some language needed revision. For instance, during the meeting, Councilor Ron Wilkins wanted to ensure that the proposed law clearly stated that the property tax exemption would apply only to active members in good standing. Also, officials want to clarify that those who serve as both volunteer firefighters and EMS volunteers would be eligible to claim benefits for only one. However, the supervisor wanted to ensure everyone in attendance knew they could also apply for a 10% exemption from Clinton County. The supervisor anticipates passing this proposed law during their next board meeting in August. "The town board truly appreciates their dedication, and we hope that will encourage them to keep serving," said Town of Black Brook Supervisor Jon Douglass. "We also hope this will increase membership through these incentives." According to the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY), the number of volunteer firefighters has fallen by 33% over the past 20 years, and according to the 2024 NYS EMS Workforce Report, "the number of active EMS responders in New York State declined by 17.5% between 2019 and 2022. This decline jeopardizes the ability of communities to respond to emergencies effectively, especially as the demand for emergency medical care continues to rise." To combat this, lawmakers have been exploring additional incentives to encourage people to sign up and volunteer, and the Town of Black Brook is hopeful that this new law will help their two fire districts and volunteer ambulance service. "It may just be a minimal tax break, but it's still an extra incentive for volunteers to keep volunteering," Douglass said. "That's the goal — to maintain and, if possible, increase their membership." For more information, visit blackbrookny.gov.

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Black Brook looking to offer property tax exemption for fire, EMS volunteers

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