The Milan Town Board is considering a new law that, if passed, will extend property tax exemptions for volunteer firefighters, ambulance workers, disabled residents with limited income, and senior citizens.
Local Law #1 would raise the income limits on property tax exemptions for people with income that is limited due to disability. Previously, a 50% tax exemption was extended to those whose income was less than $24,000. If the new law passes, that exemption will be extended for incomes at $35,000 or less. Higher incomes will also receive exemption amounts with a scaled down percentage. Incomes of $43,400 or more are not eligible for exemption.
The law would also introduce a 10% property tax exemption for volunteer fire and ambulance members who meet certain criteria. The law, as written, would require that the volunteer live in Milan and volunteer for at least three years before qualifying for the exemption. Volunteers of 20 years or more may be granted the 10% exemption for life. Unremarried spouses of volunteers killed in the line of duty may also apply for the exemption. The law is offered as a thank you to the volunteers of Milan, as well as an incentive for future volunteers.
For senior citizens, Local Law #1 would not change income limits for exemptions but would clarify how income is calculated and when applicants are eligible. Under the proposed law, income would be based on the 12-month total reported on federal tax returns filed for the year preceding the exemption application. The law also clarifies that senior citizens may apply for the exemption in the year they turn 65, rather than only on or after their 65th birthday.
A public hearing on the local legislation is scheduled for Feb. 16 at 6:55 p.m. at the Milan Town Hall.
Milan Rescue Squad Captain Stephanie Fitzpatrick joined the meeting along with Dutchess County Legislator Chris Drago to talk about the need for an EMS plan in Milan. Since Gov. Hochul signed a bill in December requiring all counties to submit an EMS plan, Milan must work with the county to address issues such as shortage of volunteers, lack of funding, and long response times when dispatching ambulances from other towns.
Drago told the board he has spoken with Northwell Health Center for Emergency Medical Services, who are interested in working with Milan to come up with a plan, potentially providing floating units focused on ALS. Fitzpatrick encouraged the board to reach out to also get in touch with Northwell to discuss options.
In other business, the board voted to open up the bidding process for the construction of two culverts located on Battenfeld Road and Torre Rock Road. The bids will be opened at a special meeting on March 6 at 11:00 a.m. At their last meeting, the board allocated $400,000 for the project.
To aid this expenditure, as well as other upcoming purchases such as highway materials, the board authorized Supervisor William Jeffway to sign a contract with Hawkins, Delafield and Wood, LLP for consultation on the selling of municipal bonds.
The town of Milan recently completed its 2025 financial audit which requires the board to “audit the financial records of every person who received or disbursed any town monies in the previous year.” A resolution was passed to submit the audits to the New York State Unified Court System. The audit committee consisted of two board members selected by Jeffway. “The committee found the financial records of every person who received or dispersed any town monies to be accurate and in order with federal recommendations,” said board member Debra Blalock, reading from the resolution.
In personnel changes, Bill Gallagher was appointed as Chair of the Board of Assessment Review for a five-year term. Wendy Jeffries was also appointed to said board, following the resignation of Jackie Reynolds. Ed O’Connor was appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals, following the resignation of Slade Meade.
Finally, the board took action to restore the integrity of its longstanding town seal, which has degraded in quality where it appears on documents, due to repeated photocopying. The original with imperfections removed will be applied to official documents moving forward.
The next Milan Town Board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Feb. 16.
The Milan Town Board has still not responded to citizens requesting a safety review and lowering of speed limits as well as periodic stop signs on Jackson Corners Road. They have not responded to replacing/repairing walls that were placed by the county in the 1930’s that are currently falling into the road presenting a road hazard. The county removed an island that was originally on Turkey Hill Road at the intersection of Jackson Corners Road that slowed tractor trailers and cars down while making the turn. My house (historically significant to the Town of Milan) has been hit many times by cars travelling way too fast on Jackson Corners Road. What a shame that the Town and county will not address this problem and apparently do not care about the safety of this areas residents. In this area, we have garages on the other side of the road that cannot be used. Last time used, had car demolished by oncoming traffic. When will help come?