Cold War vets get break in taxes

Fulton County veterans of the Cold War will soon be eligible for partial property tax breaks following Board of Supervisors approval of the program Monday.

Trent Natola, adjutant for Disabled American Veterans Post 122 in Gloversville, lobbied supervisors to act over the past few months, urging swift action.

He was in the gallery for Monday’s meeting but didn’t address the board during the public hearing on the tax plan.

Afterward, he expressed his appreciation.

“I just want to thank you on behalf of all the veterans now and in the future,” he said before leaving the chamber.

The bill was first approved by the state Legislature last year and a revised version was approved this spring.

Supervisors said they wanted to wait for the new version to be approved before taking action on the plan.

The act takes effect June 1 and provides a 15 percent exemption on property taxes up to $12,000.

Disabled Cold War veterans will be entitled to a 50 percent reduction up to $40,000.

Veterans Service Agency Director Frank Ruggiero said he would begin taking applications today in Broadalbin and Wednesday in Northville.

“This board has never said no to any reasonable request by veterans,” Ruggiero said.

The board also set a public hearing for 1:30 p.m. Monday, May 12, on a proposal to increase the maximum income level for senior citizens’ property tax breaks.

That plan was established in 1990 and modified in 1997, when the income level was raised to $16,999.

The plan under consideration now would increase the limit to $19,999. Anyone making less than that amount annually would be eligible for a 20 percent exemption.

The plan works on a sliding scale, providing for a 50 percent exemption for property owners earning up to $14,300.