Councilman Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld (D-East Setauket) announced today that the Brookhaven Town Board authorized an additional exemption to the Town’s share of property taxes under a recently-enacted change in the New York State Real Property Tax Law. It will benefit veterans who served during the Cold War.

   “We need to provide whatever property tax relief we can to our residents but particularly to those who served our country,” stated Fiore-Rosenfeld. “These servicemen and women were stationed on the front lines of the Cold War, ready, willing and able to defend America in the varied forms of combat during this phase of our American History.”

   “As Supervisor of the Town of Brookhaven, I support any legislation that helps our veterans, and giving our veterans the tax breaks they so richly deserve is a central part of that effort,” said Supervisor Brian X. Foley.

   A “Cold War Veteran” is defined in the State enabling legislation as “a person, male or female, who served on active duty for a period of more than 365 days in the U.S. Armed Forces, during the time period from September 2, 1945 to December 26, 2001.” In addition, the person must have been discharged or released under honorable conditions and have been awarded the Cold War recognition certificate.

   The amount of the property tax relief is based upon the assessed valuation of the primary residence of the Cold War Veteran similar to veterans who served our country in other wars. The formula to calculate the exemption is 15% of the assessed value of such property; provided, however, that such exemption shall not exceed the product of $12,000.00 multiplied by the latest State equalization rate for the assessing unit or in the case of a special assessing unit, the latest class ration, whichever is less.

   This tax reduction will first appear on the December 2008 tax bill. Eligible residents will need to apply to the Town Assessor’s office to obtain it. Required documentation includes the Cold War certificate, DD-214, a driver’s license or other valid ID, and the deed to the property if recently purchased. Questions regarding this exemption can be answered by the Town Assessor’s office (451-6300).

   Nicholas Houvener, Commander of American Legion Post 432 in Port Jefferson Station, praised this tax reduction, “The passage of this tax exemption for our local Cold War veterans is a significant step forward in assisting our comrades during times of retirement, corporate down sizing, increasing local taxes, and reduced medical care.”

   The Councilman explained, ”The Town of Brookhaven has a moral obligation to recognize those who have served our country in its time of need and in turn provide veterans with the benefits they justifiably deserve.”