Housing Authority weighs new $300 fee for deed-restricted divorce determinations

The Jackson/Teton County Housing Authority considered a new flat $300 fee tied to divorce-related ownership reviews for deed-restricted (workforce) homes, by amending its Schedule of Fees to add a “Divorce Notification and Ownership Determination” charge. The item was on the board’s April 1 agenda with a proposed motion to approve adding the fee. (Housing Authority Meeting Agenda Packet)

In its staff report, the housing department said the form is intended to formally notify the department when a divorce is occurring between co-owners, set out required documentation and timelines, and help determine future ownership in compliance with program rules. Staff recommended a comprehensive (all-in) fee rather than charging separate fees that may arise in a divorce case, such as transfer-of-title requests or requests for exception. (Housing Authority Meeting Agenda Packet)

Staff estimated these divorce-related ownership determinations average about 25 hours of staff time because they can be complex and require ongoing coordination, communication and compliance monitoring; the proposed $300 fee would offset some of that workload while keeping the cost predictable for participants. (Housing Authority Meeting Agenda Packet)