Let me clarify that…

Reference your front-page article, “Belfast Council extends grace period for taxes,” by Walter Griffin (BDN, Aug. 15). I never proposed that the taxpayers be allowed to pay their bills on a monthly basis. My proposal to the council was to pay on a quarterly basis or at least on a semi-annual basis.

The mention of monthly payments came from a question from Councilman Brundage who asked, “Would it be possible to pay on a monthly basis?” The general consensus to that question was that it was not practical, and I would also concur with that assessment. Councilman Swayze raised a good point about the up-front interest on tax payments, but I believe the interest would be resolved in either quarterly or semi-annual payments.

City Manager Kosabud commented that he could organize the tax-payment program any way the council desired. I opine that Kosabud is correct and is not mesmerized by the computer. The council is indeed the programmer and need not be locked in cement for a year. I have appended an earlier letter to Mayor Worth which clearly articulates the points I tried to make at the council meeting. Thank you for helping me convince my good neighbors that I haven’t lost the bubble! Bruce M. MacLaren Belfast