Butler County commissioners approved the county's right-of-way purchases for a road project and authorized staff to continue work on two parcels still in condemnation.

Curtis Major, the county director of public works, told the commission on July 8 that the county acquired five parcels as part of a right-of-way project and that the acquisitions were executed at the county's standard minimum of $500 for temporary interests. He said one landowner, identified in the discussion as Adam Smith, had been on the condemnation list but reached an agreement with the county and will be removed from condemnation proceedings.

Major said two parcels remain in condemnation and are unlikely to be resolved because of disagreement about tree valuations and other property issues; he said one landowner has asked for $100,000 related largely to trees on the property and that the county had attempted design adjustments to preserve trees but the parties could not reach agreement. Major noted that some trees may already be located within the county right-of-way.

Commissioner Wazak moved to approve the right-of-way purchases as outlined in the attached documents; Commissioner Murphy seconded. The board voted 5-0 to approve the purchases.

Ending: The purchase approvals will allow the road work to proceed; staff will continue negotiations and condemnation processes on the two unresolved parcels and update the commission as needed.