If Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner were to have his way, Westchester residents would be able to pay their county tax bill in two installments rather than a single full payment. Feiner is proposing that the county legislators change the law that mandates towns to collect the entire tax from property owners by August 30. Delinquent payers are charged a penalty that grows each month the payment is late.

“These are difficult times for many people, especially seniors on fixed incomes and people who recently have lost their jobs,” he wrote in an email sent to hundreds of his constituents in Greenburgh. “Many people cannot pay their entire tax obligation all at once.”

He added, “It would be easier on taxpayers if property owners could pay part of the bill in the spring and the balance later in the year.”

Feiner also is proposing that the county and fire district taxes be paid in a month other than August, “the same month that federal and state taxes are due.”

His email drew dozens of positive responses from recipients, with comments such as, “I fear in the absence of a move like this, the municipality will find itself absent lots of payments and loyal taxpayers penalized. No one will win.”

Feiner said he planned to wage an aggressive lobbying effort. However, no change was possible for the payment deadline this past month. County Legislator Tom Abinanti (D/Greenburgh) said he supports the concept.