OBSERVER Photo by Gregory Bacon Larry Barter with the Fredonia Fire Department and the chairman of Chautauqua County’s Emergency Medical Services Council expresses support of the proposal to give a 10% property tax reduction to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers in their county taxes.

MAYVILLE — Volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers in Chautauqua County can look forward to getting a break on their property taxes starting as early as next year.

During the county Legislature meeting, lawmakers unanimously approved a local law that gives a 10% reduction in county property taxes. To become eligible, individuals must have at least two years of being a volunteer of an incorporated fire company, fire department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service. They also have to own their primary residence.

Volunteers with at least 20 years of experience can receive a lifetime reduction. A second local law passed allows for an unremarried spouse of a volunteer with 20 years of experience to continue to receive the reduction as well.

Before the vote, Jeff Molnar with the county’s Fire Advisory Board, expressed support for the local law. “This is a great initiative to helping us retain our members and hopefully get some recruitment so we can help others when they need us most,” he said.

The legislation, which was proposed at the state level, allows local governments to give a break of up to 10% on property taxes to encourage more volunteer firefighters.

Legislator Terry Niebel, R-Sheridan, was one of the main county lawmakers to research the proposal. “I think we all know what the volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers do for our communities. Without their services, we could be easily spending millions of dollars,” he said.

Niebel noted how many counties in the state, including Chautauqua County, are experiencing a serious shortfall of volunteers. “These local laws won’t solve the volunteer problem, but I believe they will help,” he said.

Legislator Elisabeth Rankin, R-Jamestown, agreed.

“It’s a very small way to say thank you to the people who are stepping up to volunteer, for their dedication, to the sacrifices of time to their families, and to their communities,” she said.

Following the unanimous vote, the room burst out in applause.

The county Legislature has been investigating the proposal since January.

The implementation will not take place until 2024. There was no discussion at Wednesday’s meeting about how to apply. Previously, officials said eligible volunteers will probably need to go to their assessor’s office and fill out a form. Also, the local fire department would be the ones who determine who is and who is not an official volunteer, separating them from social members.

Niebel also called on other local taxing jurisdictions to follow the county’s lead and pass similar legislation for other property taxes. The village of Mayville has already enacted such a proposal.