North Hempstead expands tax exemption to spouses of slain officers

The North Hempstead Town Board on Tuesday approved property tax exemptions for senior citizens, surviving spouses of police officers killed in the line of duty and some active duty service members.

The exemptions come after the town in March approved similar benefits for disabled veterans. The state previously passed a law allowing for municipalities to opt into the exemptions, Newsday has reported.

The board voted 6-0 to adopt the tax breaks.

The law allows for seniors to receive up to a 65% reduction in assessed value for town taxes, up from 50%. Surviving spouses of officers killed in the line of duty can receive exemptions of no more than 50% of the assessed value of their primary residence. And partial exemptions are available for active duty service members whose military station is in New York and who served in combat zones within the last year.

The Towns of Oyster Bay and Hempstead have also passed exemptions for disabled veterans and surviving spouses of slain police officers.

Mary Jo Collins, the town's receiver of taxes, said during Tuesday's public hearing the town will host exemption seminars, starting on June 10, to help residents understand their eligibility.

"We're going to have one-on-one with the county to help people fill out these applications," Collins said. "There should be nobody that we miss, in terms of, if you're eligible, you'll be able to get the assistance you need."

In other business, the town approved a $60 million improvement project for the Westbury Water District, with about $17 million coming from grant funds and about $43.5 million in bonds. The money will go toward the installation of advanced oxidation process systems, granular activated carbon systems and water main and meter replacements.

The town also approved a $58,823 increase in the 2026 budget for Vigilant Engine and Hook & Ladder Company. Vigilant provides fire and emergency services for unincorporated Great Neck, as well as several villages throughout the peninsula. The department  is facing a $460,000 increase in insurance costs after it was dropped by its longtime provider. 

"Our volunteer fire service is essential," Supervisor Jennifer DeSena said in an interview after the meeting. "This was unforeseen, that they needed to purchase a higher policy. But we'll do what we can, what's necessary, to make sure that that service is available, when you're in need."

By Joshua Needelman

joshua.needelman@newsday.com

Joshua Needelman covers the Town of North Hempstead for Newsday. A Long Island native and University of Maryland graduate, his work has appeared in publications including The New York Times and The Washington Post.