County seeks to give local firefighters tax break

GOSHEN-The Orange County Legislature has asked the state Legislature for permission to offer a local tax exemption to members of local firefighting companies and ambulance corps because it is becoming difficult to recruit firefighters and ambulance workers to replace retirees. "If we had to pay for these services, I don't want to think about how much it would be costing each municipality," said Legislator Michael Paduch of Middletown. He added that he would be proposing funding for local fire departments during the course of the year. "This is a step in the right direction but it's not enough," said Legislature Chairman Alan Seidman of Salisbury Mills. "It requires five years of service, and it only affects those who own property. Young people living at home, and people who rent, don't gain from it."