Prosser eyes property for new police station
“City officials may condemn an empty building for a new police station they’ve wanted for nearly two decades.
Saying that the current police station, built in 1901, is outdated, cramped and dingy, officials are preparing to invoke eminent domain to obtain a nearby shop.
Eminent domain is used by governments to take private property in exchange for fair-market value compensation, usually for a road, bridge or other critical public project.
“That’s certainly our last choice or last resort in something,” said Mayor Paul Warden.
The city and owner have been unable to agree on a price since negotiations began in February, Warden said. The city offered $90,000, $5,000 more than the value pegged by the city’s appraiser, he said.
The property is assessed by Benton County at $103,000.”
Courtney, Ross. Yakima Herald 4 October 2014.