The Village of Middleburgh agreed Monday to up its property tax break for fire and rescue volunteers from two percent to 10.
Other municipalities and Schoharie County are also considering adding or increasing their property tax exemptions for the volunteers.
In Middleburgh, the expanded exemption would become available after two years of service; lifetime exemptions would be granted after 20 years of active service.
The increase would cost the village $1,100 a year—a thank you to volunteers, trustee said and possibly a tool for recruitment.
A public hearing on the law will be held at the village’s Monday, March 6 meeting.
Also Monday, Mayor Bergan and trustees voted to authorize board members to attend meetings virtually “in extraordinary circumstances,” such as being ill or out of town, as long as there’s an in-person quorum of other board members.
Those attending virtually would be permitted to vote as long as they videoconference the meeting and can be “seen,” trustees said.
Finally, Fred Risse, chair of the Town of Middleburgh Planning Board, said he’ll be stepping down temporarily while he takes steps to develop six acres he owns on upper Main Street as likely housing.
Denise Lloyd is vice chair; because she’s Mr. Risse’s niece, she’ll also be stepping down from that position temporarily.
It will be up to the Planning Board to appoint temporary replacements.