Bramble Corporation is a small wholesaler of gourmet food products. Data regarding the store's operations follow: Sales are budgeted at $340,000 for November, $320,000 for December, and $310,000 for January. Collections are expected to be 80% in the month of sale, 16% in the month following the sale, and 4% uncollectible. The cost of goods sold is 75% of sales. The company purchases 60% of its merchandise in the month prior to the month of sale and 40% in the month of sale. Payment for merchandise is made in the month following the purchase. Other monthly expenses to be paid in cash are $24,000. Monthly depreciation is $15,000. Ignore taxes.

The cost of December merchandise purchases would be: