Rick Karlin is reporting for the Times Union state lawmakers last week passed legislation that, if signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, would allow school districts, counties and other entities that levy property taxes to allow installment payments, or a grace period up to 120 days. The bill was described as a way to give relief to homeowners who have lost jobs or income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some taxing districts, most are located downstate, as well as the city of Albany, already allow installment payments of sorts. This bill would make it easier for all other localities to do so. Tax experts said there could be complications with slowing the flow of property tax dollars to schools and municipalities. This is especially true for school districts already suffering from cash flow issues or insufficient reserves, said Michael Borges of the Association of School Business Officials of New York. “We are still reviewing this legislation,” said Mark LaVigne, deputy director for the New York State Association of Counties. “At this time, we believe that there are deficiencies that would make it impractical to implement and therefore would not achieve its intended impact.” Read the full story in the Times Union.