KINGSTON – The Ulster County Legislature has approved a local law providing a county property-tax exemption for eligible surviving spouses of police officers who were killed in the line of duty.
The measure allows qualifying surviving spouses to receive an exemption from the county portion of their real property taxes.
“Our police officers and their families make tremendous sacrifices in service to our communities, and when an officer makes the ultimate sacrifice, that loss is carried by their family for the rest of their lives,” said bill sponsor Craig Lopez. “This exemption is a small but meaningful way for Ulster County to say to those families: we remember their sacrifice, we recognize yours, and this community will not forget either.”
He said the legislation is also an example of how local government can use the tax code to provide targeted relief to residents who have sacrificed on behalf of their communities.
“This isn’t going to erase the loss these families have experienced, but it is something tangible that we can do,” Lopez said. “I’m proud that we were able to get this passed and provide this recognition and relief to the surviving spouses of our fallen officers.”
The bill now goes to County Executive Jen Metzger for her signature.
Comments