Sec. 1. At the time of making the order approving the district plan but not later than thirty (30) days following the completion of construction of the works of improvement provided for in the district plan, and upon petition of the board or of a freeholder whose land is subject to the special benefits tax, the court shall appoint three (3) competent, disinterested persons to constitute the board of appraisers of the district. The board of appraisers has one (1) or both of the following functions as the court in the order appointing the appraisers directs:
(1) To determine the damages or limitation on special benefits to real property in the district resulting from the carrying out of the district plan, including the compensation to be paid the owners and others having an interest in land that is needed by the district, either in fee simple or by subjection to an easement. The land or easement is considered appropriated to the use of the district by the order of the court approving the district plan, which is implemented by construction drawings, specifications, and refined cost estimates on that part of the works of improvement that damage the land. If a district plan is implemented later, the land is considered appropriated to the use of the district by the resolution of the board of directors confirming the adoption of the construction drawings, specifications, and refined cost estimates as provided by IC 14-33-6-10. The board of appraisers shall base the appraisal of damages on the date the land is considered appropriated. Land or easements are considered appropriated by the order of the court or the resolution of the board of directors only if the owner of the land is notified in the manner provided by IC 14-33-2-12 stating that the district plan or construction drawings and specifications contemplate the appropriation of the owner's land or easement.
(2) To determine the existence and amount of exceptional benefits that accrue to real property in the district due to the execution of the district plan.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 13-3-3-61(a).]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.26.