Tift County authorizes chairman to sign cancellations of CHIP security deeds after 10‑year term

County Clerk Miriam Jordan told commissioners that when Tift County participated in the CHIP program (DCA), a security deed was recorded against participating properties as part of down-payment assistance. A promissory note accompanying the deed included a provision that after 10 years, if the homebuyer still owns the property, the security deed should be cancelled and marked paid in full.

Staff told the board several properties currently meet the condition for cancellation and additional properties will qualify in the future. To simplify processing, staff asked that the chairman be authorized to sign and file deed-cancellation documents with the Clerk of Court as needed.

Commissioner Melissa Hughes moved to authorize the chairman to sign and file security deed cancellations for CHIP program recipients; Commissioner Donnie Hester seconded and the motion carried 5-0 with Chairman Tony McBrayer voting. The motion grants administrative authority to execute and record cancellations but does not alter the terms of the original promissory notes.

The county did not provide a count of properties immediately eligible for cancellation; staff said some are pending processing. Further administrative filings will be recorded with the Clerk of Court when executed.