The Salina City Commission Monday approved on a 5-0 vote the purchase by eminent domain of land and water rights for a new water treatment plant in south Salina.
The city is purchasing 41.9 acres at the southeast quadrant of South Ohio Street and Water Well Road and associated water rights for $503,170. Commissioners also agreed to pay appraiser’s fees of $6,000, for a total of $509,170. The price per acre for the land and water rights is about $12,000.
The city has 30 days to pay the clerk of Saline County District Court or the clerk will consider the purchase abandoned.
There will be a 30-day appeal period during which either the city or the landowner may appeal the appraiser’s assessment of the value of the land. If either side appeals, the matter will go to a jury trial.
The city wants to obtain the land and water rights for a new water treatment plant. Martha Tasker, the city’s director of utilities, said adding a well field and treatment plant will ensure the city has enough water, even in a drought.
(Read more: News – Salina Journal)