Commission Discusses 2200 North Right-of-Way Appraisal; Eminent Domain Pursuit Put on Hold Pending Plain City Resolution

County staff briefed the Weber County Commission on March 31 about efforts to acquire a narrow right-of-way along 2200 North that lies in a small island of unincorporated land near Plain City.

Gary Myers said the county has acquired all parcels needed except one owner who has declined to negotiate, prompting county staff to consider eminent domain. Myers told commissioners he requested an updated appraisal from the original appraiser; the appraiser quoted $2,700 to update the valuation. “We have pretty much every parcel, but 1. Now the 1 that we don't have has just neglected to basically refused to talk to our agents... So that's led us to move towards, pursuing eminent domain,” Myers said.

Commissioners pressed for formal assurances from Plain City before the county proceeds with appraisal or improvements. Commissioner Ford said the county needs a binding document from Plain City: “I need... a resolution from the council. Okay. It's gotta come to the council who will make the decision,” and commissioners agreed to hold further action until the county receives a signed resolution and mayoral signature from Plain City. County staff estimated road-improvement costs at roughly $85,000 earlier in the discussion and noted that spending for eminent domain can increase depending on purchase and court costs.

Staff said they will work with county legal counsel to identify the correct form of assurance from Plain City (a council resolution and mayoral signature) and return with the appraisal procurement once that binding commitment is in hand. No expenditure was authorized at the work session.