Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Right Of Way Payments topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Title company delays and online mortgage firms slow right‑of‑way payouts; county considers waiver of partial releases
Summary
Staff told commissioners that Pioneer Title is having difficulty getting partial releases from online mortgage companies (notably Rocket Mortgage), causing delays in right‑of‑way payouts; staff said one Rocket Mortgage release took six months and cost an extra $1,500, and recommended drafting owner release forms so funds can be paid directly to property owners.
Staff reported June 16 that Pioneer Title is experiencing lengthy delays obtaining partial releases from online mortgage companies for right‑of‑way parcels, slowing payment to property owners on the 49th North acquisitions.
According to staff, one partial release from Rocket Mortgage took six months and required the county to pay an additional $1,500 fee before the company released funds. Pioneer Title recommended the county forgo requiring partial releases on affected parcels to speed owner payments. Staff asked county counsel to draft a form owners could sign that would confirm the county was not assuming liability and allow title companies to release proceeds directly to owners.
Staff said they will provide the Pioneer Title memo to relevant staff and requested legal language that protects the county while enabling owners to receive funds faster. Commissioners expressed support for expediting owner payments while ensuring the county has reasonable protections against liens or claims.
Why it matters: Delays by third‑party mortgage servicers can stall right‑of‑way closings and delay county projects and owner compensation. Faster resolution helps affected property owners and prevents construction slowdowns.
What’s next: Staff to circulate the Pioneer Title memo to county staff and ask legal counsel to draft an owner release letter that clarifies the county’s limited liability for owners who must provide additional information or pay mortgage company fees.
