CARMEL – The Putnam County Legislature has approved a resolution authorizing the county to adopt a real property tax exemption for the primary residence of a surviving spouse of a police officer killed in the line of duty.
Meeting in regular session Tuesday evening at the historic Putnam Courthouse in Carmel, the governing body voted unanimously for the resolution.
State law permits a local option exemption of up to 50 percent of the assessed value of the qualifying residence.
Lawmakers said the measure reflected the county’s commitment to honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers while providing “meaningful, long-term support to their families in the aftermath of tragedy.”
The legislation applies only to taxes levied by Putnam County and does not apply to taxes levied by towns, villages and school districts. Each of these jurisdictions as well as fire districts and special districts must act separately if they desire to follow the county’s lead.
Republican Legislator Jake D’Angelo proposed the legislation. He was absent from Tuesday’s meeting. Legislator Toni Addonizio told her colleagues and a handful of people in attendance, “Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
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