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Oxford approves condemnation resolution to secure easements for Phase 5 sewer rehabilitation
Summary
To meet federal funding requirements and complete scattered sewer rehabilitation work, the board authorized beginning a condemnation process where property owners cannot be reached; staff said condemnation is a last resort after repeated contact attempts.
City staff explained that Phase 5 of a multi-area sewer rehabilitation program requires construction easements in several locations where recorded easements are missing or unclear. "Part of that project is to get some easements to go back and rehab lines that aren't existing," staff said, adding that the work is intended to repair existing infrastructure, not to take property for new uses.
Staff told commissioners federal funding for the project requires the city to secure appropriate control of property needed for construction. The meeting packet listed affected properties; staff said it will make multiple attempts to contact owners but sometimes owners live out of state and are difficult to reach. "This is the last option, basically," the mayor said, noting condemnation would be used only if owner permission cannot be obtained.
Commissioner Bridges seconded a motion to begin the condemnation resolution process; the motion carried by voice vote. Staff said the condemnation authorization allows the city to proceed with owner outreach and, if necessary, pursue formal condemnation to obtain construction easements so federally funded sewer rehabilitation work can proceed.
No property was taken at the meeting; the authorization initiates the legal process and further owner-notification and appraisal steps will follow.
