Agenda

Back to Calendar Return

County Administrator's Report 14. 3.

BCC Regular Meeting

Budget & Finance Consent

Meeting Date:	10/03/2019
Issue: Title Clearance Services Program Agreement with Legal Services of North Florida, Inc.
From:	CLARA LONG
Department:	Neighborhood & Human Svcs
CAO Approval:

RECOMMENDATION:

Recommendation Concerning the Title Clearance Services Program Agreement with Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. - Clara Long, Interim Neighborhood & Human Services Department Director

That the Board take the following action concerning the Title Clearance Services Program Agreement between Escambia County and Legal Services of North Florida, Inc.:

A. Approve the Title Clearance Services Program Agreement between Escambia County and Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. (LSNF), in the amount of $60,000; and

B. Authorize the Chairman or Vice Chairman to execute the Agreement and related documents required to implement the program.

[Funding: Fund 129/2019 CDBG, Cost Center 370234]

BACKGROUND:

Clouded titles and heir properties are detrimental to the community, often resulting in substandard or deteriorating housing stock since heirs cannot access financing to improve the property nor can the property be sold. Families may eventually lose the properties to code/nuisance abatement liens contributing to blighted vacant properties and structures. Legal Services of North Florida (LSNF) has held multiple legal clinics and developed educational materials devoted to the importance of clear title. LSNF staff also holds office hours in the north end of the County to provide access to services for residents. Clear title is a requirement for assistance through the County's State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) repair programs.

On August 3, 2019, the Board approved a line item for a Title Clearance Program as a Public Service element using CDBG funding (see Exhibit I) under the County Annual Plan. This contract continues the prior year agreement with LSNF.

Funds will support legal services to clear title for a minimum of 15 low or moderate income clients (estimating 25 cases to accomplish) in order to remove barriers to their ability to improve or maintain their properties, by becoming eligible for traditional financing or County/City rehabilitation programs. Cases may include probate, quiet title, bankruptcy and tax disputes and will allow clients to gain and maintain ownership of their homes or properties. Preference is to be given to clients with improved properties. In addition to direct client services, a community education component will be provided to include a minimum of three outreach events.

BUDGETARY IMPACT:

Funding for this project is budgeted in Fund 129/CDBG, Cost Center 370234.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS/SIGN-OFF:

The Agreement (Exhibit II) has been reviewed and approved by Kristin Hual, Senior Assistant County Attorney.

PERSONNEL:

N/A

POLICY/REQUIREMENT FOR BOARD ACTION:

CDBG funding requires an Agreement to be approved by the Board.

IMPLEMENTATION/COORDINATION:

Neighborhood Enterprise Division (NED) will oversee the implementation of this project in conjunction with LSNF.

Attachments
Ex I-BCC HUD Plan Approval
Ex II-CDBG LSNF 2019 Agreement