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Council approves first reading authorizing eminent domain process for Highway 85 wastewater project
Summary
Council approved first reading to authorize exercise of eminent domain if necessary to acquire easements for a Highway 85 wastewater lift station, force main and collection project funded in part by $14 million in ARPA dollars; staff emphasized negotiation and just compensation.
Council approved the ordinance (first reading) to authorize the potential exercise of eminent domain to acquire temporary and permanent easements needed for a Highway 85 wastewater collection and treatment system project that staff says will be funded in part by $14 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds.
Mark outlined project scope — a lift station, force main aligned near an existing raw‑water pipeline to minimize parcel impacts and several storage tanks — and said the town has made initial offers and appraisals and will continue negotiating in good faith. "We need to assure the land owners get just compensation," he said, explaining the town will bring individual property hearings back to council if negotiations falter and confirmed the ordinance will return for a second reading. Council discussed the typical 20‑foot permanent easement width and whether any property owners had refused offers; staff said no owners had said "no" but pricing negotiations remain active. The motion to approve the ordinance as introduced passed on roll call.
