Resolution 196 & 198 LOCAL LAW TRANSPARENCY ACT & REAL PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION - 5:00PM

This public hearing held by the Putnam County government on August 26, 2026, focused on two local laws under Resolutions 196 and 198 of 2026. Resolution 198 proposes a real property tax exemption for surviving spouses of police officers killed in the line of duty, a measure supported by local advocates and enabled by state legislation. The exemption applies to the county's share of property taxes and is complemented by similar legislation in the Carmel Central School District. Resolution 196 involves amendments to the county's Transparency Act, including provisions for live streaming public meetings and new requirements for political committee meetings involving county legislators. Concerns were raised about the broad and unclear language in subsection E of this act, particularly regarding the regulation of political committee meetings and the enforceability of these provisions. The county executive invited public feedback before making a final decision on the Transparency Act amendment. No procurement or contracting actions were discussed during the meeting.