A North County Times editorial titled "Government should not be loan brokers" (Jan. 30) raised some very interesting points that are, pardon the pun, right on the money.

I very much appreciate the paper bringing forward for discussion this timely and important issue. The very same issues you discuss in your editorial are the issues being discussed by myself, County Treasurer/Tax Collector Dan McAllister and county staff. A complete analysis with staff recommendations will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors in the next 45 days.

I agree that government should not be a loan broker. However, loan broker means different things to different people. In my case, it means that government must not loan taxpayer funds. I know from your editorial that you agree.

But I do believe government can help facilitate green building and solar panel usage with the goal of causing an important drop in the use of energy. This is good for everyone. It also makes economic sense for the homeowner. After the initial cost of solar panel installation is paid off, the homeowner realizes an almost zero cost to heat their water or warm their home.

It is county government's vision that we can help make this happen with no taxpayer money involved. Government can work with banks that are anxious to make solar panel loans, but gun-shy to do so in this tough economy. We anticipate that banks will be very interested in funding the loans at an attractive rate. The solar panel companies get their money. The homeowners get their solar panel installation.

All government does is establish the assessment and ensure repayment of the loan by adding the semi-annual payment onto the tax bill each year.

Banks like this idea because they are assured of timely loan repayments over a fixed period of time. But the loans are not government-backed, as you say. The county does not put up a dime if the homeowner defaults. Taxpayer money is not at risk.

The same collection procedure of non-payment of property taxes exists with or without the additional solar panel payment. The same holds true for the bank.

I'm certain you agree that conservation is important. Thinking outside the box to facilitate energy savings is the best way to jump-start an important initiative that will be good for the environment, good for property owners and good for jobs in a growing industry.

Pam Slater-Price, the Board of Supervisor's vice chairwoman, represents the Third District, which includes portions of North County.