SUBSTITUTE                                                                                                            ADOPTED - MAY 12, 2009

Agenda Item No. 8

Introduced by the County Services and Finance Committees of the:

INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

 RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE LEGAL SERVICES OF SOUTH CENTRAL MICHIGAN WITH FUNDING FOR TAX AND MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE PREVENTION

RESOLUTION #09-133

WHEREAS, the incidence of predatory, sub-prime and adjustable rate mortgage products is negatively impacting our County and the economic pressure caused by these mortgage products is expected to be severe throughout 2009 and beyond; and

WHEREAS, the volume of Sheriff’s Deed activity in 2008 was comparable to 2007 as a reflection of this continuing economic strain; and

WHEREAS, the County Treasurer has been working since late 2006 with the City of Lansing and the non-profit community to coordinate and increase the local counseling capacity for mortgage foreclosure prevention; and

WHEREAS, the need exists for additional legal services through Legal Aid of South Central Michigan; and  

WHEREAS, the Ingham County Treasurer wishes to enter into AN agreement with Legal Services of South Central Michigan to assist low and moderate income owners/occupants who are in jeopardy of losing their homes due to tax-foreclosure.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the County Board of Commissioners authorizes funding of $20,000 to Legal Aid of South Central Michigan for ongoing foreclosure prevention efforts within Ingham County from the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund (516-25607) for a two year contract beginning May 13, 2009.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Controller/Administrator is directed to make all necessary budget adjustments consistent with this resolution to strengthen the capacity within Ingham County for Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention efforts.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners authorizes the Board Chairperson, County Clerk and Treasurer to sign any necessary contract documents that are consistent with this resolution and approved as to form by the County Attorney.

COUNTY SERVICES:  Yeas:  Celentino, Koenig, Holman, Copedge, Grebner, Vickers

    Nays:  None         Absent:  None        Approved  5/05/09

FINANCE:  Yeas:  Grebner, Nolan, Bahar-Cook, Tennis, Davis, Dougan

    Nays:  None         Absent:  None        Approved  5/06/09