County staff says condemnation resolution for private water system expected on next agenda

County legal staff reported progress toward acquiring the Bel Air Water system and said a condemnation resolution will be prepared for the next meeting to initiate the eminent domain process if negotiations do not produce a sale.

County counsel explained the procedural steps: the board would adopt a condemnation resolution authorizing the county to seek acquisition of the private utility; that resolution would start the statutory clock and, if adopted, the county could either resume negotiations for purchase or file an eminent domain action in circuit court. Staff said preliminary work included consultation with counsel and coordination with state and federal partners and that the resolution would appear on the next agenda for commissioners' consideration.

Commissioners discussed possible help from outside elected officials; staff reported a call from U.S. Rep. Delaney (a constituent contact) expressing willingness to assist and said state and regional utilities have indicated they can help if the system is publicly owned. Staff cautioned that while outside parties could be helpful once the system is not privately held, some parties cannot intervene while the system remains in private hands.

Why it matters: a county acquisition of a private water system would transfer ownership and operational responsibility and could affect local rates, investment, and regulatory oversight. The next formal step will be a condemnation resolution placed on the agenda for commissioners to consider.

Next steps: staff will draft and present the condemnation resolution at the next meeting; that written resolution will determine whether the county proceeds with eminent domain filings or resumes purchase negotiations.