October 2nd, 2026
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Monroe County Executive Adam Bello today signed a local law to implement a 100% property tax exemption for qualifying disabled veterans. The local law was passed unanimously by the Monroe County Legislature on September 8th, 2026.
“Easing the financial burden of our veterans when they return home is a way to show our profound gratitude for the sacrifices they made and the courage they displayed to keep our country safe,” said County Executive Bello. “Our local heroes are no exception, and deserve nothing less than the full support and admiration of our community. With this new law, we will be providing tangible, direct financial assistance to the brave men and women in Monroe County who have more than earned this relief and to who we owe our endless thanks and appreciation.”
“Today represents an important and meaningful commitment to the veterans of Monroe County,” said Laura Heltz, Executive Director of the Veterans Outreach Center. “With County Executive Bello signing this legislation into law, permanently and totally disabled veterans will receive property tax relief that recognizes the tremendous sacrifices they have made in service to our country. We are grateful to County Executive Bello for championing this legislation and to the members of the Monroe County Legislature for coming together in support of our veterans.”
Earlier this year, New York State expanded its property tax exemption program to allow municipalities to provide greater financial relief to local veterans. With today’s signing, Monroe County has now opted into the state program, creating a full county property tax exemption for eligible applicants.
“I am proud to partner with County Executive Bello to launch a property tax exemption program that provides financial relief to Monroe County’s veterans. These brave men and women have proudly served our nation, and as a way of thanking them for their commitment and sacrifices, qualified disabled veterans are now eligible for a 100% reprieve on county property taxes,” said Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson. “While we can never fully repay them for sacrifices, with this measure passed by New York State and implemented by Monroe County, we are ensuring they have an affordable place to call home.”
To qualify, applicants must be an honorably discharged veteran and considered to be permanently and totally disabled as a result of their military service. The tax exemption applies to qualified veterans’ primary residences.
The application for the property tax exemption will be administered through the city or town assessor’s office where the property is located. The Monroe County Veterans Service Agency (VSA) will be available to assist veterans in navigating the application process and securing the discharge and service records necessary to verify eligibility.
"Our veterans served our country, and those with 100% disability did so at a great personal cost, a cost most of us will never fully understand," said Legislature President Yversha Román. "This tax exemption is a way for Monroe County to say thank you, to ease the burden for those who carried so much for us. It doesn't repay what they've sacrificed, but it is a small token of our appreciation for their service."
“Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled as a result of their military service have sacrificed greatly for our country, and they deserve our lasting support,” said Republican Leader Sean McCabe. “Eliminating county property taxes for these veterans provides meaningful relief and helps make it more affordable to remain in their homes. The Republican Conference was proud to support this legislation and join our colleagues in recognizing their service through action.”
Opting in to this New York State program aligns with Monroe County’s ongoing efforts to support the local veteran population by providing financial relief to those who have served our nation while making it more affordable to continue calling Monroe County home.
