Oceanside Fire Department to get four-year-old tax break

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State legislators unanimously passed a bill late last month that would grant the Oceanside Fire Department a one-time tax credit of nearly $20,000. The legislation is currently awaiting Governor Andrew Cuomo’s signature.

The bill would allow the Oceanside Fire Department to retroactively claim an exemption it should have received when the department purchased the property adjacent to its Foxhurst Road headquarters in July 2013, after the deadline to file for an exemption it would normally be eligible for.

State Senator Todd Kaminsky and Assemblyman Brian Curran were the bill’s primary sponsors.

“The Oceanside Fire District thanks Senator Kaminsky and Assemblyman Curran for their continued efforts in supporting the Oceanside Fire District,” said Oceanside Fire District Treasurer Kevin P. Grasing in a statement. “The funds recouped will be utilized to provide equipment and support for the dedicated volunteers of the Oceanside Fire Department.”

“The Oceanside Fire Department is a pillar of our community, whose members go above and beyond the call of duty to protect lives and property on a daily basis,” Kaminsky said. “I am proud to have sponsored this successful piece of legislation to secure this tax exemption, and enable the department’s dedicated volunteers to focus on what they do best: saving lives and keeping our neighborhood safe.” 

Curran added, “I am glad we were able to get this retroactive measure passed this year so our fire department can be concerned with protecting the community, rather than worry about a technicality.”