Hockessin, DE – Today, at VFW Post 5892 in Hockessin, County Executive Matt Meyer signed legislation into law that expands county property tax relief for disabled veterans and servicemembers. Introduced by County Council member Janet Kilpatrick, the legislation was inspired by a local Marine Corps reservist who experienced a significant injury while serving from 2006 to 2011. It waives the three-year residency requirement for income-eligible military servicemembers and veterans who have experienced a total and permanent service-connected disability, making them immediately eligible for the County’s existing property tax exemption when they purchase a primary residence in Delaware.
“Wounded warriors sacrificed for our country,” County Executive Matt Meyer said. “I am proud that County government now provides immediate access to our property tax exemption when they purchase a home.”
“After meeting Jamie Frei, a local constituent, and learning of the continued hardships caused by service related injuries I felt that it was important to offer to these men and women what support we could through our local government,” said County Council member Janet Kilpatrick. “This Ordinance, which places a residency exemption on the existing assessment law for the totally and permanently disabled veteran shows that we not only are thankful for their service, but that we welcome them into our community. I am grateful for the strong support of County Executive Meyer and all members of Council for endorsing this legislation and standing by our veterans.”
“I am a veteran, but you don’t need to be one to appreciate the service and sacrifices these men and women have made to ensure our way of life and freedoms,” said Council member Penrose Hollins, a sponsor of the legislation. “Military training and discipline prepare them for the many obstacles they will face in conflict and when they return home to our communities – and in particular our wounded servicemembers - we must work to remove the obstacles they face on the homefront. With this legislation, New Castle County removes one obstacle to help them afford the quality of life they deserve.”
New Castle County provides partial property tax exemptions for seniors and disabled property owners whose incomes are $50,000 or less after they live in Delaware for three years. Income-eligible disabled military servicemembers and veterans who have experienced a permanent service-connected disability receive a property tax exemption of $37,000 of the assessed value of their principal residence, with an additional exemption of up to $42,000 based on the severity of their permanent disability.
Last week, New Castle County Council unanimously passed this legislation, which was sponsored by County Council members Janet Kilpatrick, Penrose Hollins and John Cartier and Council President Karen Hartley-Nagle. Click here to read Ordinance 18-018.
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Contact: Jason Miller, Director of Communications, 302-545-1462