Break Down of the Nanuet Fire Tax

The Nanuet Fire Department just presented plans for a at the estimated cost of $11.9 million. However, that number will change as everything is still in early planning stages. 

With this project affecting the fire tax of Nanuet residents, the fire department also released a look at the fire district’s finances.

“I can say that when you look at your tax bill and look at your fire tax, we’re a good bargain,” said Harold Straut, a life member of the fire department who joined in 1977. “Cheapest line item on the tax bill.”

Here’s a look at the current fire district budget and tax rates for Nanuet and surrounding towns:

• Nanuet Fire District 2011 Budget $1,126,000 (1.4 percent increase from 2010)

Fire District Tax Rates per $1,000 of assessed value

Tax Rate

Other Area Tax Rates for 2010 per $1,000 of assessed value

Examples of Taxes in Nanuet/Bardonia for 2011

Highview Ave Homestead Parcel

$279,800

$395.26

Nanuet Facts/Information

• Nanuet and Valley Cottage are the sections of the Town that are projected to experience the greatest growth in terms of the number of households, indicating the continued attractiveness of these Town hamlets. *
• Nanuet experienced tremendous growth over the 1990s, indicating the exceptional quality of life and overall attractiveness of the community.*
• Nanuet is forecasted to grow by an additional 10.3 percent through 2012*
• 2009 Median Housing Values of Nanuet / Bardonia $428,300**

*Town of Clarkstown Economic Development Strategy Report November 2008

** Rockland County MLS

What is the difference between the Nanuet Fire Company and the Nanuet Fire District?

The Nanuet Volunteer Fire Company is a not-for-profit entity and has no governmental status. Members of the company elect the executive and firematic officers. Any resident of the District can apply for membership. The relationship between a fire district and fire company is somewhat analogous to a school system. A school board would be similar to the board of commissioners, the superintendent and principals are comparable to a fire chief and the officers, and the teachers and support staff function like the firefighters. One large difference is that the firefighters, fire chiefs, officers, and commissioners all serve without compensation.

What is a fire district?

A fire district is a political subdivision of the State, formed for the protection of persons and property in a geographic area.

Who is responsible for the operations of our Fire District?

There are five Commissioners elected by the registered voters residing within the geographic boundaries of the Fire District. Each Commissioner is elected to a 5-year staggered term so that one Commissioner is elected each year. The Treasurer and Secretary are appointed by the Board each year and are paid a part-time salary for their services. The Board establishes policies and approves the annual budget.

What services are provided by the District?

The Fire District provides fire and emergency services along with fire prevention programs to the community. The District maintains a full complement of fire and rescue equipment that must be regularly inspected, maintained, and replaced with new equipment as emergency service demands increase.

Who pays for the District?

Under the laws of the State of New York, the Nanuet Fire District receives its operating budget from property tax assessed on all real property within the district that is not tax exempt.

How do I pay for the District?

As a special district, the Fire District’s taxes are assessed with other property taxes, such as town, county, sewer, refuse, lighting, and ambulance districts.

Who sets the tax rate?

The Fire District is required each year to adopt a budget. The tax rate is established based upon that budget and the value of the taxable properties in the District. The tax monies provide funds for fire fighting, fire apparatus, equipment, insurance, physical examinations, service awards, construction, and maintenance of the fire station. The tax rate is set each October based upon the budget submitted Board of Fire Commissioners.

Who is paid for Fire Fighter Services and the administration of the District?

No one. The five members of the Board of Fire Commissioners, the firematic and executive officers of the Fire Company, and the firefighters do not receive any direct compensation in the form of salary or tax waivers. There is a small retirement program called LOSAP (Length of Service Award Program). The Service Awards Program is a small retirement plan, which allows a firefighter to accumulate credit toward monthly payments upon reaching the age of 55. The individual must meet an annual minimum requirement in terms of training and fire fighting as per NYS legislation in order for that year to be credited for retirement. There is a five-year minimum for vesting.

What are donations to the Fire Company for?

There are a number of functions that require some funding that is not covered by tax dollars. The money from your donations pays for special insurance, scholarships and organizational expenses not related to firefighting activities that tax monies cannot be used for. An example would be, in anticipation of the celebration of our 150th anniversary the Company used a portion of last year’s fund drive proceeds to purchase the Anniversary Flags that are on the street lights along Main Street.

This information is from the "Nanuet Fire District Proposed Firehouse Project" packet. That packet is attached to this story: