Volunteer firefighters and rescue squad workers in Warren County are now eligible for a 10% break on their property taxes.

The Board of Supervisors unanimously passed the law on Oct. 20. It creates an exemption on assessed value of a primary residence for volunteer first responders with at least two years of service for the community where they reside while they are an active member.

“Volunteer first responders are integral to the safety and well-being of their communities, and we are glad that we can put in place this deduction to thank them for the tireless work they do,” said Warrensburg Supervisor Kevin Geraghty, chairman of the Warren County Board of Supervisors.

“They are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and it has become increasingly difficult to recruit new members because of the time and training commitments. We hope this new benefit will help stabilize and increase our volunteer ranks,” he went on to say.

People who have served 20 or more volunteer years with their community fire department or rescue squad can be eligible for a lifetime property tax exemption. The spouse of a volunteer who is killed in the line of duty will also be eligible for the exemption – with certain qualifications.

Property owners apply for property tax exemptions through municipal assessor offices. Additional information related to applications for this deduction will be posted on the Warren County Real Property Tax Services website when finalized. Questions can be directed to Warren County Real Property Tax Services at 518-761-6464.