$[10$ points$]$ Peno$-5376$ Corporattion's sales budget for the first half of the year is as follows:

The company's cost of goods sold is $65\%$ of sales. The company desires to have an ending merchandise inventory at the end of each month equal to $50\%$ of the next month's cost of goods sold.

Payment for merchandise is made in the month that follows the month of purchase. What is the budgeted balance in the Accounts Payable account as of May $31?$

Multiple Choice

$$220,000$

$$260,000$

$$169,000$

$$143,000$