Monroe County Executive Adam Bello signs new law giving surviving spouses of fallen police officers major property tax relief

Monroe County, New York – Monroe County Executive Adam Bello has signed a new local law that will provide significant property tax relief to surviving spouses of law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty.

The legislation was unanimously approved by the Monroe County Legislature before being sent to Bello for his signature. The new law allows Monroe County to participate in a New York State program that permits municipalities to offer a property tax exemption of up to 50% for qualifying surviving spouses.

The exemption applies to the primary residence of a surviving spouse. Monroe County chose to adopt the highest exemption allowed under the state legislation, meaning eligible families can receive a 50% reduction in property taxes on their primary home.

Bello said the measure is intended to provide practical financial help to families who have already experienced a tremendous loss.

“Every day, our police officers put their lives on the line, standing in harm’s way to protect our community,”** said County Executive Bello.** “That’s a heavy burden, and one that their spouses and loved ones have to live with every day too. Unfortunately, when a law enforcement officer loses their life in the line of duty, that burden becomes even greater. There are no words to ease the pain a family experiences when their loved one loses their life in service to our community. But by providing real, tangible relief to the spouses of these fallen heroes, we can honor their memory and fulfill a solemn responsibility to care for their family in their time of need.”

Read also: Rochester breaks ground on $8.2 million Genesee Crossroads Park as part of ROC the Riverway initiative

The local law follows legislation approved earlier this year by New York State. That state measure gave municipalities the authority to establish a property tax exemption of as much as 50% for surviving spouses of law enforcement officers who were killed while performing their duties.

The state legislation did not automatically create the exemption in every municipality. Local governments had to take action if they wanted to participate. With the Monroe County Legislature’s unanimous approval and Bello’s signature, the county has now formally opted into the program.

Legislator Dave Long, who supported the measure, said the legislation provides an important form of assistance to families dealing with the loss of a first responder.

“Every day, heroes put themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities, and when one loses their life in the line of duty, providing meaningful support to their grieving families is our unwavering promise,” said Legislator Dave Long.** “I was proud to help lead and unanimously pass this legislation in Monroe County, granting a property tax exemption to surviving spouses and establishing a foundation to support the families of all fallen first responders who make the ultimate sacrifice.”

The new exemption comes as the county looks to recognize the sacrifices made by officers and the families who support them. For surviving spouses, the financial effects of losing a household’s primary income can continue long after the initial tragedy.

Read also: Penfield welcomes new school crossing guards as students return for the 2026-27 school year

Under existing New York benefits, families of officers who die in the line of duty are eligible for payments equal to two-thirds of the deceased officer’s average weekly pay. The new property tax exemption is designed to provide another form of financial assistance in addition to those benefits.

The measure also has added significance as the community approaches the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Law enforcement officers were among those who responded during the attacks and their aftermath, and the anniversary has renewed attention on the sacrifices made by first responders and their families.

Legislator Paul Dondorfer pointed to that connection while discussing the new law.

“As we mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, we are reminded of the extraordinary courage of the law enforcement officers who put themselves in harm’s way to protect others – and of the families who share in that service,”** said Legislator Paul Dondorfer.** “When an officer makes the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, we have a solemn responsibility to stand with the loved ones left behind. This exemption is one meaningful way Monroe County can honor our fallen heroes and provide lasting support to their families.”

Before the legislation was finalized, Bello held a public hearing in August to give residents and members of the community an opportunity to comment on the proposal. The hearing was part of the process leading to the final approval of the local law.

The county’s action means eligible surviving spouses will now have access to the maximum property tax exemption permitted under the state program. The benefit is limited to the surviving spouse’s primary residence, providing direct assistance with one of the largest ongoing household expenses.

County officials described the measure as a way to offer tangible support rather than simply recognizing the sacrifice of fallen officers. For families who lose a law enforcement officer in the line of duty, the emotional loss cannot be reversed, but the county’s new policy is intended to reduce some of the financial pressure that can follow.

With the law now signed, Monroe County has joined the municipalities using the authority provided by New York State to offer this tax relief. The measure represents a local effort to support surviving spouses while honoring officers who died protecting their communities.