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80-121. Acquisition of land for township by board of county commissioners; procedure; use of land; bonds. (a) The township board of Lecompton township located in Douglas county, by resolution, may request the board of county commissioners of Douglas county to acquire land by purchase or eminent domain for such township. The resolution shall describe the land which the township desires to be acquired and the purpose for which it is to be acquired. Such land shall be located in the township.

The board of county commissioners shall call and hold a hearing on such resolution. Notice of the hearing shall be published at least once each week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the township. At such hearing, any person who desires to appear and speak shall be given the opportunity to be heard.

(b) Following such hearing, the board of county commissioners may adopt a resolution of intent to acquire the land, or any portion of such land, described in the petition submitted by the township board. If the board of county commissioners determines that land other than that described in the petition is more suitable for the township purposes, the board may adopt a resolution of intent to acquire such other land for the township.

Any resolution adopted pursuant to this subsection shall be published at least once each week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the township. If within 30 days following the date of last publication, a petition signed by at least 5% of the qualified electors of the township is filed with the county election officer, no land shall be acquired pursuant to this section unless the question is submitted to and approved by a majority of the qualified electors of the township voting at an election thereon. Such election shall be called and held in the manner provided by the general bond law.

(c) If a sufficient petition is not filed or if the question has been submitted and approved at an election as provided by subsection (b), the board of county commissioners shall acquire, by purchase or eminent domain, the land described in the resolution of intent. Upon acquisition of such land, the board of county commissioners shall convey title thereto to the township. The township shall reimburse the county for all expenses incurred by the county relating to the acquisition of such land, including notice and election expenses.

(d) No more than three acres of land may be acquired pursuant to this section. Any land acquired pursuant to this section shall be used for township purposes.

(e) The township board may construct, purchase or lease buildings for township purposes. The board may join with any corporation, association, society or lodge in the construction or purchase and use of buildings or land acquired pursuant to this section, upon such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon by such township and corporation, association, society or lodge.

(f) The township board may issue general obligation bonds of the township to finance the costs of the acquisition of land and the construction and acquisition of township buildings. No such bonds shall be issued unless such issuance is submitted to and approved by a majority of the qualified electors of the township voting at an election called and held on such issuance. Such election shall be called and held in the manner provided by the general bond law. The question of issuance of bonds may be submitted at any election held pursuant to subsection (b).

History: L. 1999, ch. 146, § 3; July 1.