West Hempstead Approves Tax Exemptions, New Treasurer

Senior citizens living in West Hempstead and residents with disabilities and limited income have been entitled to tax exemptions each year, but not if they had a school-age child living with them.

That changed Tuesday night though when the Board of Education unanimously approved to extend the exemptions to include West Hempsteaders who reside with school-age children, including those in cooperative apartments who are 65 and older, or who are disabled and have limited income.

"[The people with] school-age children should have been included from the beginning," Board Trustee Vincent Trocchia said regarding the change in the tax law.

At the December business meeting, the school board also approved the tax exemptions for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers, , the appointment of a school medical inspector and the contract for the district's new treasurer, Cristina Spinelli, among other business.

Superintendent John Hogan said Spinelli brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the district, having worked for a number of years in the financial field for Morgan Stanley, and as a certified public accountant. Most recently she was the internal auditor for the Seaford school district.

"We know that your work will be outstanding," he hold her after the board approved her contract.

After leaving the videoconference room of the high school to speak behind closed doors in a brief executive session, the board returned and also approved a grant writer for the district.

The deadline for submitting applications for all property tax exemptions for the 2012-2013 school and general fund tax year has been extended to Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012. (All federal offices and post offices will be closed on Jan. 2.) To learn more about Nassau County's property tax relief programs or to obtain an exemption application, contact the Department of Assessment at (516) 571-1500 or download forms and information from its website at www.mynassauproperty.com.