§ 3-9-111. CONDEMNATION - AUTHORITY.

(a)

In general. In accordance with the recommendations of the County Administrative Officer and the approval of the County Executive, the county may acquire property by condemnation.

(b)

Value $5,000 or less. The County Attorney may institute a condemnation proceeding without County Council approval if the County Bureau of Land Acquisition determines that the value of the property to be condemned is $5,000 or less.

(c)

Value more than $5,000 but not more than $25,000.

(1)

If a proposed condemnation involves a property the value of which has been determined by the County Bureau of Land Acquisition to be more than $5,000 but not more than $25,000, the County Attorney shall:

(i)

Submit the proposed petition for condemnation in writing to the County Council for its review; and

(ii)

For record-keeping and accounting purposes, notify the secretary of the County Council.

(2)

The members of the County Council shall have 14 days after the day the action is submitted to the Council in which to review a proposed condemnation.

(3)

Any member of the County Council may call for a Council vote on a proposed condemnation.

(4)

After the 14-day period has elapsed, a proposed condemnation not selected by the Council for a vote is deemed approved.

(d)

Value more than $25,000.

(1)

If the County Bureau of Land Acquisition determines that the value of property proposed for condemnation is more than $25,000, the County Attorney shall present the proposed petition for condemnation to the County Council.

(2)

The County Attorney may file the petition for condemnation following County Council approval.

(1988 Code, § 2-3) (Bill No. 31-99, § 3, 7-1-2004)