Authorizes the city of Olean assessor to accept an application for a real property tax exemption from OWH Properties, Inc. (Operation Warm Hearts)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Sempolinski

Authorizes retroactive 420-a real property tax exemption for OWH Properties on two Olean parcels, potentially canceling/refunding taxes if eligible.

SUBSTITUTED BY S9820A

Summary of Bill A10933 (2025-2026) – New York

Purpose and intent

Authorizes the city of Olean’s assessor to accept an application for real property tax exemption from OWH Properties, Inc. (Operation Warm Hearts) for specific parcels on the 2025-2026 assessment roll.

The exemption would cover all of the 2025-2026 school taxes and all of the 2025 general taxes for the designated properties.

Key provisions and changes

Section 1 authorizes the Olean assessor to accept an exemption application under Real Property Tax Law § 420-a for:

Parcels at 908 North 4th Street, Olean (Cattaraugus County) and 920 North 4th Street, Olean (Cattaraugus County).
Parcel IDs: Cattaraugus County map section 94.049, block 1, parcel 70; and section 94.049, block 1, parcel 73.

If the application is accepted, it will be reviewed as if it were received on or before the taxable status date for the 2025-2026 roll.

If the assessor determines the organization would be entitled to the exemption had it timely filed, the city legislature must approve any correction to the subject tax roll.

If the exemption is granted and the organization has already paid taxes on the subject roll, the governing body or tax department may, at its discretion, provide refunds of those taxes and cancel any remaining unpaid taxes, fines, penalties, liens, or interest.

The act emphasizes discretionary refunds and tax cancellation upon granting the exemption.

Affected parties and scope

Primary entity affected: OWH Properties, Inc. (Operation Warm Hearts).

Geographic scope: Two parcels located at 908 and 920 North 4th Street in the City of Olean, within Cattaraugus County.

Taxing authorities involved: City of Olean (assessor and city legislature) and the relevant school and general tax authorities for the 2025-2026 rate rolls.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Effective date: Immediate upon enactment.

Process flow:

City assessor is authorized to accept the exemption application.
Review treated as if filed by the taxable status date (retroactive eligibility consideration).
If eligibility is found, require city legislature approval to correct the tax roll.
If taxes were paid, refunds and cancellation of remaining charges may be provided at the governing body’s discretion.

Notable linkage: The bill appears to be a local adjustment mirroring a standard 420-a exemption, but with retroactive application for the 2025-2026 period and specific parcels.

Practical implications

Potential tax relief for OWH Properties, Inc. on the specified parcels for the 2025-2026 school and general taxes, contingent on retroactive eligibility and legislative approval.

Possible administrative and fiscal impact on the City of Olean’s tax rolls and budget mechanics if refunds or cancellations are issued.

Reflects a common practice of recognizing exemptions after the taxable status date when a qualifying organization can demonstrate eligibility.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with typical 420-a exemptions and outline potential budgetary effects for the City of Olean.