[Adopted 4-23-1998 by L.L. No. 1-1998; amended in its entirety 2-27-2006 by L.L. No. 1-2006]
A. 
This Board finds and determines that the sacrifices and services provided by veterans in protecting this country should be acknowledged by providing certain tax exemption.
B. 
By Chapter 256 of the Laws of New York for 2005, the New York State Legislature amended § 458-a of the Real Property Tax Law authorizing the adoption of a local law to increase the maximum tax exemptions for veterans.
C. 
The purpose of this article is to amend Local Law No. 6 of 1999 and adopt maximum tax exemptions for veterans as authorized by Chapter 256 of the Laws of New York for 2005.
Qualifying residential real property shall be exempt from taxation to the extent of 15% of the assessed value of such property; provided, however, that such exemption shall not exceed $36,000 or the product of $36,000 multiplied by the latest state equalization rate for the assessing unit or, in the case of a special assessing unit, the latest class ratio, whichever is less.
In addition to the exemption provided by § 149-4 of this article, where the veteran served in a combat theater or combat zone of operation, as documented by the award of a United States Campaign Ribbon or Service Medal, qualifying residential real property also shall be exempt from taxation to the extent of 10% of the assessed value of such property; provided, however, that such exemption shall not exceed $24,000 or the product of $24,000 multiplied by the latest state equalization rate for the assessing unit or, in the case of a special assessing unit, the class ratio, whichever is less.
In addition to the exemptions provided by §§ 149-4 and 149-5 of this article, where the veteran received a compensation rating from the United States Veterans Administration or from the United States Department of Defense because of a service-connected disability, qualifying residential real property shall be exempt from taxation to the extent of the product of the assessed value of such property multiplied by 50% of the veteran's disability rating; provided, however, that such exemption shall not exceed $120,000 or the product of $120,000 multiplied by the latest state equalization rate for the assessing unit or, in the case of a special assessing unit, the latest class ratio, whichever is less. For the purposes of this article, where a person who served in the active military, naval or air service during a period of war died in service of a service-connected disability, such person shall be deemed to have been assigned a compensation rating of 100%.
This Board also finds and determines that the sacrifices made by Gold Star Parents should be acknowledged by entitling them to the same alternative veterans real property tax exemptions accorded to veterans and spouses of veterans, up to a maximum of 25%. The New York State Legislature amended § 458-a of the Real Property Tax Law by adding a new Subdivision 7 authorizing the adoption of a local law to grant Gold Star Parents this alternative exemption. For the purpose of extending this exemption, a Gold Star Parent shall be defined as “the parent of a child who died in the line of duty while serving in the United States Armed Forces during a period of war.” A Gold Star Parent shall be deemed to be eligible for the exemption for qualifying residential real property under §§ 149-4 and 149-5.
This article shall take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State and shall apply to assessment rolls prepared on the basis of a taxable status date occurring on or after such date.