FARMINGTON -- A Farmington couple who are both employed but living in a deteriorating mobile home may be able to move into a new, energy-efficient unit with a low-interest loan through the Maine State Housing Authority.

On Thursday, Farmington's code enforcement officer, Steve Kaiser, met with an inspector from the housing agency at the home of Amy and Randy Carsten at 103 Dutch Drive in Cascade Leisure Park off High Street.

He said one option being explored is a state-administered program that has a limited number of affordable mortgages to help low-income people move out of old mobile homes and into energy-efficient units.

"I am hopeful. We have had a really good response from Maine State Housing and they came up immediately," he said.

"The town is doing the responsible thing by acting," said Kaiser, who said he was committed to helping the Carstens get into a newer home before winter.

Kaiser said with the state agency involved, there is a good chance of getting the Carstens' 30-year mortgage transferred to a new loan that would cost less than what they are paying now. The couple is leasing the lot the home sits on and there are other, better lots at the mobile home park available for lease or purchase. Last year, the couple spent $5,000 to have a new roof put on their 1991 manufactured home. Since then, they learned it has severe structural problems and was quickly deteriorating.

This week, Farmington selectmen held a public hearing under the dangerous building law. They gave the Carstens 60 days to address the problems.

Kaiser said the legal process and the town involvement gives the issue a sense of urgency when dealing with the state and the bank.

"We tried to not to let it get this bad and had asked Maine State Housing for help replacing it," said Amy Carsten. "We went to the bank and were told we were stuck until the mortgage was paid off.

"We don't feel we are being picked on by the town. We didn't know we could ask the town for help," she said.

Kaiser said 60 days should be enough time, with the state's help, to put together a financial package, demolish the current mobile home, and acquire a newer one. Selectmen can grant an extension after 60 days, if necessary.

Betty Jespersen -- 778-6991

bjespersen@centralmaine.com