County uses eminent domain to acquire bank lot

“Miami County commissioners have targeted three properties to purchase to help regain the parking they will lose once the new county jail is built on the lot south of the Administration Building, but one of the three property owners isn’t willing to budge on the selling price.

The commissioners voted unanimously during their Sept. 3 meeting to use eminent domain to acquire the Citizens State Bank parking lot east of the Miami County Administration Building.

Miami County Administrator Shane Krull said the bank is asking for $200,000 for the 30-space parking lot, and ongoing negotiations have been unsuccessful. Eminent domain allows a governmental entity to acquire property for public use.

Miami County Counselor David Heger said a judge will appoint three appraisers, and they will have 45 days to make a decision on the value of the property. Heger added that the entire process could take up to 60 days to complete, and the landowner can file an appeal.

Miami County Commissioner George Pretz excused himself from the commissioners’ chambers during the discussion and vote because he is on the Citizens State Bank Board of Directors.”

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McCauley, Brian. Osawatomie Graphic 10 September 2014.