SHARE

Putnam Valley School District Approves Tax Exemption For Wartime Veterans

PUTNAM VALLEY, N.Y. -- Veterans who live in the Putnam Valley School District and served during wartime will be getting some school tax relief.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Putnam Valley Central School District

The Putnam Valley Board of Education approved the Alternative Veterans Tax Exemption, giving wartime veterans up to $12,000 off of their assessment. A veteran who saw combat can receive an additional $8,000, while a disabled veteran can receive an additional $40,000.

The exemption goes into effect in September. The district additionally resisted passing the exemption, fearing they would lose their STAR exemption. 

"It was pushed on us too quickly by the state," Jill Figarella said.

The exemption will increase other homeowners' tax bills by about $36 a year.

"It was the right thing to do," Figarella said. "We see the value in this and we we want to thank veterans for their service."

Figarella said last year, they were only given a month to make a decision on the exemption. 

"We didn't have a clear picture of it," Figarella said. "We took the time to gather information and make a correct decision."

Sam Oliverio, assistant principal at Putnam Valley High School who served in the army from 1975 to 1978, said he was very pleased the exemption passed.

"Better late than never," Oliverio said. "Our veterans deserve a pat on the back for the great work they have done and the honorable service they gave to this country."

Oliverio said when he served in the military, veterans who returned home from Vietnam were not treated poorly.

"Today, you see commercials supporting our veterans who served in Iraq," Oliverio said. "Back then when they came home, they were spit upon, shunned, and called babykillers and murderers."

 

to follow Daily Voice Putnam and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE