PINE CITY, N.Y. (WENY) -- If you are a volunteer firefighter in Chemung County, you could be eligible for a 10% exemption on your property taxes. This benefit is brand new, as it was signed into law Monday night.

"The Chemung County Legislature recently passed a resolution aligning a local law for tax breaks for volunteer firefighters. The local law was signed (Monday night), and then we’ll send it to New York State," said Chris Moss, the Chemung County Executive.

While the local law gives volunteer firefighters in Chemung County a partial property tax break, there are some qualifications people would have to meet. "If you’re a full-time volunteer firefighter and you own a home, or your spouse owns a home or a property, it could be beneficial to you." According to the document signed by Moss, the other eligibility requirements are as follows:

'Such exemption shall be granted to an enrolled member of an incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department, or incorporated voluntary ambulance service provided that:

a. The property is owned by the volunteer firefighter or volunteer ambulance worker, including property owned jointly with their spouse; and

b. The property is the primary residence of the volunteer firefighter or volunteer ambulance worker; and C.

The property is used exclusively for residential purposes, provided however that in the event any portion of such property is not used exclusively for the applicant's residence but is used for other purposes, such portion shall be subject to taxation and the remaining portion only shall be entitled to the exemption provided for by this section; and d.

The volunteer firefighter or volunteer ambulance worker resides in the County of Chemung, and the County of Chemung is served by such incorporated volunteer fire company or fire department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service;

c. The volunteer firefighter or volunteer ambulance worker is certified by the authority having jurisdiction as an active enrolled member of such an incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department, or incorporated voluntary ambulance service; or otherwise qualifies under sections (3),(4), or (5), below; and

f. The volunteer firefighter or volunteer ambulance worker meets the minimum service requirement established by Chemung County for exemption from Chemung County tax, which is hereby established as two (2) years of volunteer service.'

Fire Chief for the Pine City Volunteer Fire Department Patrick Allison has been a volunteer firefighter for the last 14 years. He said any kind of tax exemption helps, but that's not why he chose to become a firefighter. "I joined the firefighting field to help out neighbors and friends and community members. Any sort of thanks from the state is definitely appreciated and welcomed to any of the firefighters here in Chemung County or throughout New York State."

Tracy Morgan joined the Pine City Volunteer Fire Department almost a year ago. She said even though it's only 10% of a tax exemption, it is still helpful to her and her spouse. " It will help us with our property taxes as they go up every year. Any little relief of that helps."

One important thing to note is if any volunteer firefighters in Chemung County continue to serve their community and accumulate 20 years (or more) of service, they'll be awarded the 10% tax exemption for the rest of their life. It's also important to mention that this law (while it's approved here in Chemung County), still has to be sent back to Albany for a final approval.