Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board recently approved a new property tax exemption to support the surviving spouses of police officers killed in the line of duty. The measure, adopted unanimously by the Town Board, provides a 50% property tax exemption on the primary residence of eligible surviving spouses.
This action follows recent authorization by New York State allowing municipalities to provide this benefit, and the Town of Oyster Bay moved swiftly to ensure that local families receive the support they deserve.
“In the Town of Oyster Bay, we stand by those who stand up for us,” Saladino said. “Police officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. When the unthinkable happens, we have a responsibility to support the families they leave behind. This tax relief is one small way to show that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
To qualify for the exemption:
- The property must be owned by the surviving spouse of a police officer killed in the line of duty and serve as their primary residence.
- Documentation confirming eligibility must be filed with the Nassau County Assessor’s Office.
- The law also includes provisions addressing homes held in trust and cooperative apartment tenant-stockholder arrangements.
“This is about much more than tax policy,” Saladino added. “It’s about honoring heroes and ensuring that their loved ones know their community stands with them. These families have already paid the ultimate price, and we must do everything we can to ease their burden.”
“Our first responders put their lives on the line to protect others, and with this legislation, we took a significant step to support their families who bear the weight of unimaginable loss,” added Councilman Lou Imbroto. “We will never forget the courage of our fallen heroes and will always support the men and women in blue.”