Nassau County Legislator Edward Mangano sponsored legislation that revised the 2002 property tax exemption law for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians. Members of local fire departments and ambulance corps who have served for a minimum of five years will receive a 10 percent exemption on their Nassau County property tax. In addition, members who have 20 years of service will receive this exemption for the remainder of his/her life.

"The brave members of our fire departments and ambulance corps deserve to see real savings on their Nassau County property tax bill," Legislator Mangano said.

Due to a cap, the prior legislation only allowed for marginal savings due to a formula involving the local equalization rate. As a result of the cap, firefighters who took advantage of the exemption only realized about $2.33 in savings. "The intent of the legislation was there, we just needed to work out the details so our county's volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians could start seeing some real savings," he continued.

The new legislation, which is permitted by an amendment to state law, removes the cap. Therefore, department members with a minimum of five years service can expect to save approximately $167.11 on their county property tax bill. Currently, there are 3,020 volunteer firefighters and ambulance technicians who applied for the existing exemption, these residents will not have to reapply to receive the new level of exemptions.

"The volunteer firefighters and emergency ambulance technicians in Nassau County provide a vital service to us all. We should make every effort to aid these lifesavers whenever possible. I urge all residents interested in becoming a volunteer to contact their local fire departments," Legislator Mangano concluded.