To: Martin L. Cousineau, Finance Committee Chairperson
From: Samuel E. Muma, Treasurer
title
RE: Approval of a grant award from Rocket Community Fund, in the amount of $100,000.00, to fund a Tax Foreclosure Outreach Specialist position at Genesee County's Office of the Treasurer; this position will work to promote the Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE) program in Genesee County
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Accept a grant from Rocket Community Fund to fund a position to promote the Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE) program in Genesee County.
BACKGROUND:
Rocket Community Fund worked with Wayne County the last several years to promote the HOPE program as a mechanism to keep homeowners in their houses and avoid tax foreclosure due to non-payment of taxes. Rocket Community is extending this grant to other counties in the State of Michigan in an effort to increase the number of homeowners successfully applying and receiving the exemption. The position funded by this grant would be responsible for assisting homeowner's with the HOPE application and submitting it to the local unit of government. They will also be attending community events and working with other County departments to identify homeowners who may be eligible for the HOPE program.
DISCUSSION:
The HOPE program is governed by MCL 211.7u and states that a homeowner must own and occupy a property as their principal residence, submit an application after January 1 each year and meet the federal poverty guidelines or alternative guidelines adopted by the governing body of the local assessing body. The Treasurer's office works with homeowners every year by extending the time to pay delinquent taxes to avoid foreclosure. Most of these homeowners are living on a fixed salary and potentially qualify for the HOPE program. The intent of this grant is to assist the homeowners with the application and submission to the local unit.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
The impact on Human Resources would be ...
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