The Village of Port Chester has become the first municipality in New York to adopt a new property tax exemption that eliminates the village portion of property taxes for totally disabled veterans.

The Village Board unanimously approved the local law, making Port Chester the first community in the state to implement the expanded exemption authorized under New York law.

"Honestly, I don't feel that veterans should pay any taxes at all. That's the way I feel you in my heart. I gave my blood, my heart, my mind, everything for America and any cut in my taxes would help me financially, tremendously." Thomas Giorgi, a Vietnam Veteran, told News 12.

To qualify, veterans must own and occupy the property as their primary residence and have a determination from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that they are permanently and totally disabled as a result of their military service.

The exemption currently applies only to the village’s share of property taxes. Other taxing jurisdictions, including the town, county and school district, would need to adopt similar measures for the exemption to apply to their portions of the tax bill.

Eligible veterans can apply for the exemption through the Town of Rye Assessor’s Office.