SUBJECT
title
Adopt a resolution authorizing the Real Estate Services Director, or their designee, to sign and submit vouchers for SHIP program funds to closing agents.
body
DESCRIPTION
In conjunction with the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Act (“SHIP”) the County identified Purchase Assistance as a strategy in its Local Housing Assistance Plan. The Purchase Assistance awards SHIP program funds to households that qualify for payment toward down payment and closing cost expenses incurred during the purchase of a newly constructed or existing home. The County previously utilized a vendor to perform these services; however, the services have recently been transitioned in-house through the joint efforts of the Housing and Neighborhood Development Office (“HND”) and Real Estate Services Division (“RES”). In order to more efficiently provide these services when utilizing County forces, in October 2025 the Board adopted Resolution 2025-134 which authorized the Real Estate Services Director to sign and submit voucher requests necessary for the release and transfer of County-held SHIP funds, upon HND review and approval, to closing agents SHIP Purchase Assistance payments not to exceed $50,000. Since that time the in-house administration of this program, and the transfer of funds, has been a success. Due to the nature of the real estate closing and mortgage approval processes, program funds are typically authorized and initiated 48 hours prior to the individual closings. Based on the structure of the current resolution in the event that the Real Estate Services Director is unavailable, the closing could be unnecessarily delayed. To alleviate this eventuality, it is requested the Board adopt a new resolution which would allow the Real Estate Services Director to designate an individual to sign and submit voucher requests in their stead during periods of absences.
RECOMMENDATION
Request Board adopt a resolution authorizing the Real Estate Services Director, or their designee in the Director’s absence, to sign and submit voucher requests necessary for the release and transfer of County-held SHIP funds, upon HND review and approval, to a closing agent for payment towards a qualified household’s down payment and closing cost expenses for individual transactions in which the total SHIP Purchase Assistance does not exceed $50,000.
FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact.
CONTACT INFORMATION
R. Wade Allen, Director
Real Estate Services
863-534-2577