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5.0. SR 03-08-1993 ITEM 5 TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL FROM: WILLIAM RUBIN, ED COORDINATO~V2- DATE: MARCH 4, 1993 SUBJECT: METROPOLITAN MORTGAGE INSURANCE LIMITS INTRODUCTION At its March 8, 1993, meeting, the Elk River City Council will be asked to authorize a letter to the Department of Housing and Urban Development which requests an expeditious adjustment to Sherburne County's single-family mortgage insurance limits to reflect those limits of the Twin Cities metro area. BACKGROUND . Realtors, home builders, and mortgage lenders have expressed some concern about how expedient the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) may be in adjusting the single-family mortgage insurance limits in Sherburne County to reflect those limits currently found in the balance of the Twin Cities metro area. As Council will recall, the federal Office of Management and Budget recently designated Sherburne County as part of the 13-county Twin City Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). With this designation, positive factors such as higher mortgage insurance limits will eventually fall into place. Realtors, lenders, etc. are concerned about FHA's desire to do this in light of some perceived negative discussions that have occurred regarding Sherburne County's new designation in the Twin City's MSA. As a result, it may be appropriate to go on record that the City of Elk River has requested an adjustment in the mortgage insurance limits if in fact, FHA is reluctant to adjust the limits promptly. A draft of the letter to HUD is enclosed in the agenda packet. ACTION REQUESTED The City Council is asked to authorized this letter to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. . 720 Dodge Avenue N.W., Elk River, Minnesota 55330 (612) 441-7420 DRAFT March 4, 1993 Mr. Thomas T. Feeney U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 220 2nd Street South Minneapolis, MN 55401-2195 Dear Mr. Feeney: On the basis of 1990 census information, the federal Office of Management and Budget has determined that Sherburne County is now part of the Twin City Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The City of Elk River sees some advantages and disadvantages to this designation. It is clear, however, that the Twin Cities has an influence on the rapid growth experienced in Elk River over the past decade. ~ One advantage to the MSA designation relates to FHA mortgage insurance limits. The City of Elk River is hopeful that FHA will act expeditiously to adjust its single-family mortgage insurance program upward to reflect the higher limits enjoyed by other home buyers in the Twin Cities. As we move from winter to spring, home builders and realtors are enthusiastic about the upcoming construction and home buying season. An adjustment of FHA's metro limits into Elk River and Sherburne County will contribute significantly to this enthusiasm. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. event of questions or comments, please feel free staff Patrick Klaers or William Rubin at 441-7420. contacted during normal business hours at 540-3520. In the to call my I can be Sincerely yours, Henry A. Duitsman Mayor City of Elk River, Minnesota ~ 720 Dodge Avenue N.W., Elk River, Minnesota 55330 (612) 441-7420