"It takes a little bit of administrative work, but the payback for the company is a long-term employee. With this plan, we've been able to fill the positions we've needed."

The program has caught the interest of the Washington County School District. First-year teachers in the district are offered a starting salary of $26,115.

"We all know those at the low end of the pay scale can't afford to buy a house here," said school board member Wes Christiansen.

There are two possible solutions to the district's problem, said Lyle Cox, human resources director.

"We either need to pay them (teachers) more — and we've got some ideas on how to possibly do that — or we need to solve the housing crisis problem," Cox said. "We're attempting to facilitate discussions with developers, and we're on the work-force housing committee."

The district's recruitment effort includes a $500 signing bonus for those who stay for three years, but that doesn't really sway many potential teachers, he said.

"We've recruited teachers, and they've come here to work for a year, lived in a travel trailer because they couldn't find a house they can afford, and then given us their notice to resign and go somewhere else," Cox said. "I've lost sleep over this, and it seems like we're getting a lethargic response from the public about what we can do to solve this dilemma."

Washington City Council member Jean Arbuckle, who also serves as a member of the Dixie Area Workforce Housing Affordability Committee, believes the issue can't be solved unless everyone gets involved.

"Nobody thinks this is a problem to be solved by any one of these communities (in Washington County)," she said. "Nobody has to take full financial responsibility for this."

At the February meeting of the housing committee, which includes representatives from the school district, public officials, civic leaders and representatives from various real estate and financial companies, several people reported that escalating land prices continue to stand in the way of developing more affordable work-force housing in the county.

"Ten to 15 years ago, paying $180,000 for a single-family unit was way overpriced," said developer Greg Sant. "Today we wonder how we're ever going to do that again."

Sant said developers are willing to build work-force housing, but cities in the area must cooperate when it comes to zoning and fast-tracking the application, approval and inspection processes.

"It's being done all over the nation," he said. "It's time it starts to happen here. We are willing to do our part, reduce our fees, profits, commissions, in order to make this happen if everybody comes to the table and does their part."

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E-mail: nperkins@desnews.com; danderton@desnews.com