FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: June 10, 2025

 

The Newport Town Board unanimously passed two local laws at its June 9, 2025 meeting, expanding property tax exemptions for low-income senior citizens and establishing a new exemption for homeowners making improvements to their homes for persons with disabilities.

 

“These laws are commonsense reforms that make our local tax law better,” Town Supervisor Nathaniel Lowell said. “Seniors living on a fixed income deserve relief, and residents making home improvements for those living with disabilities should not be penalized on their tax bill."

 

Local Law No. 2 of 2025 repeals Local Law No. 1 of 1974 and replaces the current $18,000 senior income limit with a modern sliding scale that increases eligibility up to $26,700. Local Law No. 3 of 2025 authorizes a tax exemption on the increase in assessed value resulting from qualifying accessibility improvements, including ramps, lifts, and bathroom modifications, made to a home occupied by a person with a physical disability.

 

 

Residents who may qualify for either exemption are encouraged to contact the Town Assessor’s Office for guidance on eligibility requirements and the application process at (315) 914-0484 or [email protected].