SYRACUSE -- Onondaga County lawmakers are considering legislation requesting the governor and state legislature to allow county homeowners to pay school taxes in installments.  Right now property owners  are forced to pay at least half all at once.

County Legislator Bill Meyer says, "The installment plan would relieve the tax burden on thousands of property owners in Onondaga County, but does not amount to a tax break."

The legislation would allow taxpayers to pay their school bills in three "partial payments."

Meyer says "Each school district would have the option of participating in the installment plan."

Meyer points out that Onondaga County property taxes can already be paid in four installments. Meyer says "The payment plan will not slow the cash flow for school districts."

Supporters are hoping the state legislature will act quickly, so that the plan can be put in place by September. The bill is sponsored in the State Senate by John DeFrancisco.

There has been no sponsorship in the Assembly yet, but local lawmakers are interested in the idea.

Click on this link to read a copy of the Senate bill.