Both the towns of Lysander and Van Buren have approved an exemption for veterans of the Cold War.
Lysander recently approved an amendment to the exemption, which is based on 15 percent of a home’s assessment and would be an approximate $117 savings for a home assessed at $100,000. After holding a public hearing, Van Buren approved the exemption at the May 18th board meeting.
“Anything we can do for any vet we should do because we do not do enough for them now,” said Bill Palmer of Lysander.
Van Buren Councilor Mary Frances Sabin expressed concern about the amount of exemptions offered by the town.
“At some point, other taxpayers have to make up the difference and take on the burden,” she said. “Considering the financial condition we are in now, should we pass that cost on to others.”
Councilor Harold Johnson agreed, asking how much more the younger generation raising families handle.
Officials noted that while there is an existing exemption, veterans are not eligible for both, only one or the other. Eligible veterans must have served in the armed forces between Sept. 2, 1945 and Dec. 26, 1991.
Lysander officials voted unanimously in favor of the exemption amendment. Van Buren officials voted with five in favor and two against (Sabin and Johnson).
