The Syracuse Common Council passed an ordinance on Monday that will provide tax exemptions for Syracuse residents burdened by federal flood insurance requirements.

City residents living in areas designated as special flood hazard zones can apply for $81,000 in property tax exemptions if they’re currently insured by a federally-backed flood insurance plan. Homeowners in parts of Syracuse’s Westside and Southside are located in special flood hazards zones, according to a 2016 map of flood areas.

High-risk homes are located near Harbor Brook, Meadowbrook, Onondaga Creek, Onondaga Lake and Ley Creek, according to the map.

Councilor at-large Tim Rudd, who proposed the legislation, said the Council has worked on the ordinance for years to help city residents who can’t afford the flood insurance.

The $81,000 exemption is the largest exemption allowed by New York state’s real property tax law. Eligible residents must also apply annually for the exemption in order to receive it.

Councilor Susan Boyle, of the 3rd district, passed her last piece of legislation as a councilor at Monday’s meeting. Boyle, who served on the Council for three years, will officially resign on Tuesday to take a job with Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon.

She started her new position as administrative planning and funding coordinator in the county’s community development division on Jan. 22.

Boyle’s ordinance provides $20,000 for an agreement with Onondaga Earth Corps for training, programming and supervision relating to a summer work program for young kids next year. Onondaga Earth Corps will help run the Parks Corp and Clean Street Crew programs.

Councilor at-large Steve Thompson thanked Boyle for “her service to the city and for her endless and tireless dedication to constituents.”

Thompson added that he hopes the person who fills Boyle’s seat lives up to the benchmark she set.

Boyle said she appreciated both the times when councilors supported her and the moments when they challenged her initiatives.

“I’ve learned a lot from all of you, and it’s been a tremendous privilege to serve,” she said.

Other business

The Council also approved funding for two initiatives relating to the Syracuse Police Department.

The city will pay a consulting company a maximum of $20,000 for advisory services focused on planning, reorganization, police accountability, policy development and training. Another $20,000 will fund psychological testing for the SPD to screen applicants to the police academy or transfers from other departments.

Councilors voted to approve a grant application to the United States Department of Justice for purchasing equipment to be used by SPD’s upcoming Public Order Unit, which will focus on containing riots. The grant totals $107,445, but that amount will be split between the city and county.

During a riot on Father’s Day in 2016, SPD ran out of riot shields and needed to call other police agencies to bring shields, Syracuse.com reported.

Published on February 4, 2019 at 11:09 pm

Contact Casey: casey@dailyorange.com | @caseydarnell_