The Village of Mineola Mayor and Board of Trustees voted unanimously last week to lower the requirements for the senior citizens' tax exemption off the village portion of their taxes.

According to the new local law, senior citizen households are allowed to make as much income as $29,900 instead of $29,000 and still receive a tax break on the assessed valuation of their homes so that all senior households with an income of $29,900 or less will get a break on their village taxes.

"It's a positive thing because it helps the seniors stay in the community," said Village Trustee Elizabeth Conlon.

The village also changed the schedule of tax exemptions so in some cases, seniors may find themselves getting more of a break on their village taxes.

"It basically gives the seniors an additional $1,000 of income," said Mayor John P. Colbert. "The cost of living has gone up and it just gives them a little more of an exemption."

According to the new law, seniors making less than $21,500 will get a 50 percent discount on their assessed valuation of their homes when it comes to their village taxes. The requirement was $20,500 for the old law.

Those making more than $21,500 but less than $22,500 will get a 45 percent discount on their assessed valuation. Those making more than $22,500 but less than $23,500 will get a 40 percent discount. Those making more than $23,500 but less than $24,500 will get a 35 percent discount. Those making more than $24,500 but less than $25,400 will get a 30 percent discount. Those making more than $25,400 but less than $26,300 will get a 25 percent discount. Those making more than $26,300 but less than $27,200 will get a 20 percent discount. Those making more than $27,200 but less than $28,100 will get a 15 percent discount. Those making more than $28,100 but less than $29,000 will get a 10 percent discount. Those making more than $29,000 but less than $29,900 will get a 5 percent discount.