The Milan Town Board unanimously passed Local Law #1 of 2026 at its Feb. 16 meeting, extending a 50% property tax exemption to disabled residents, whose income is under $35,000 due to disability. Previously, the exemption was granted to disabled taxpayers whose income was less than $24,000. Diminishing exemptions are offered as income increases, with no exemption for incomes over $43,400.
The law also grants a 10% property tax exemption to active volunteer firefighter and ambulance workers, granted they have been volunteering for the past three years. The exemption is also extended to un-remarried spouses of volunteers killed in the line of duty. Those who have volunteered for over 20 years will automatically be granted the exemption, regardless if they are still serving.
“Volunteer fire and ambulance members provide our communities with valuable emergency and lifesaving services,” the law states. “The Town Board finds it necessary and appropriate to both thank these volunteers for the countless hours they spend on behalf of our community as well as to provide a benefit and incentive for future volunteer service.”
Finally, the law clarifies that tax exemptions for senior citizens — which are up to 50% for elderly residents whose income is under $16,500 — are available the calendar year they turn 65, rather than beginning after they turn 65. Taxpayers who fall into these categories must apply for the exemptions at the assessor’s office, and must refile annually.
In other business, Town Clerk Ingrid Kulick was authorized to put out a request for proposals to local contractors for the replacement of the roof on the town hall. Town Supervisor William Jeffway noted the damage that ice dams have caused over the years, and noted that special attention will be paid to their prevention. “We’d like to get to it this year,” said Jeffway. “We’re hopeful for this summer.” Proposals from contractors will be opened at the March Town Board meeting.
Finally, Highway Superintendent Glenn Butler was authorized to spend $15,060.93 for the replacement of the transmission in one of the town’s plow trucks. “It’s a critical piece of machinery,” said Jeffway. The work will be completed by Eagle Diesel Power of Kingston.
Christopher Shields, an employee of the Milan transfer station, was present at the meeting and floated the idea during the public comment section to extend the opening hours of the transfer station until 3 p.m. citing that a lot of people show up when the transfer station is about to close at 1 p.m. “I’m trying to make the town more profitable with the transfer station,” he said.
The next Milan Town Board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on March 13.