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Clearfield’s Down Payment Assistance Program – Helping Homeowners |
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Monday, 25 August 2008 |
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It’s no secret that Clearfield City has a high rate of rental properties compared to other Davis County cities. In an effort to rectify the 45%  rentals rate Clearfield leadership, in fiscal year 2007, came up with an incentive to attract first-time homebuyers to the city.
“We wanted to enhance owner occupancy in our city,” explained Clearfield Mayor Don Wood. “We worked with the Davis County Housing Authority to provide a down payment assistance program for first-time home buyers. I am pleased to report that as of June 2008 the program helped 34 individuals and families buy homes here in Clearfield.”
This program was unique in that Clearfield is one of only a few cities in Davis County to offer this assistance. Since fiscal year 2007 Clearfield allocated portions of its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds received from the federal government, to the Clearfield City Down Payment Assistance program. This federally funded grant program assisted first-time homebuyers with a maximum grant amount of $5,000 to help with closing costs or the down payment. The home had to be a single-family dwelling, meaning a one-family residence, located in Clearfield, and owner-occupied.
Mary Lewis, Rehabilitation Specialist with the Davis County Housing Authority explained, “Applicants had to qualify for the program based on their income level, which was defined by HUD*. The funds were awarded with a three-to-one match, that is, if an applicant had $1000 saved towards a down payment, the city would contribute $3,000 towards their home purchase.”
Lewis continued, “The three-to-one match can mean a significant savings for a home-owner over a period of time. The higher your down payment the lower your monthly mortgage payment. On a 30-year loan imagine the savings a person realizes.”
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Last Updated ( Monday, 25 August 2008 )
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A Clearfield City Snap Shot of Director of Administrative Services - Bob Wylie |
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Monday, 25 August 2008 |
 Clearfield City’s Director of Administrative Services, Bob Wylie, has worked in the public sector for over 22 years.
“I started out working for financial institutions, and then I worked for the State of Utah for 18 years,” said Wylie. “When the opportunity came up in 2004 to work for Clearfield City as the Finance Director I jumped at the chance.”
Bob was ready to try something different. Working for municipal government provided Wylie with a broader perspective, a more hands-on approach to government finances. Not to mention it gives him a chance to work closely with elected government officials, and city residents, something he enjoys.
“I was more of a specialist when I worked for the State,” explained Wylie. “I was responsible for a division. Now I’m responsible for a city.” Wylie was the Financial Manager for the State Division of Risk Management before joining Clearfield City.
Although originally hired as the City Finance Director, in July of 2007 Wylie’s position title changed to Director of Administrative Services, and his responsibilities were expanded accordingly. The Director of Administrative Services oversees the city’s Finance Division, Risk Management, Utility Billing Division, Information Technology Division, and Human Resources. Wylie has a total of 14 employees working for him.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 25 August 2008 )
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