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2 <br /> Staff will then contact each property owner from whom an easement is needed by letter to let <br /> them know why the County needs the easement, where the easement will be located on their <br /> property, how much the County is offering for the easement and the value of the infrastructure <br /> being installed on their property. The easement deed and a copy of the plat will be included in <br /> the letter, along with instructions on how to complete the document and who to contact with any <br /> questions. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: County staff will offer a standard monetary amount for each easement, <br /> based on a partial per square foot tax value of each property, since easements are minor <br /> percentage interest and not a fee simple purchase. Approximately $212,000 is herein being <br /> requested for the project budget to cover these costs. In the event of condemnation, the <br /> County will be required to deposit an amount equal to the easement value with the Court upon <br /> filing of the condemnation complaint. A cost sharing agreement with Carrboro and Chapel Hill <br /> will assist in these costs. <br /> SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable <br /> to this agenda item: <br /> GOAL: ESTABLISH SUSTAINABLE AND EQUITABLE LAND-USE AND <br /> ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES <br /> The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, <br /> incomes and educational levels with respect to the development and enforcement of <br /> environmental laws, regulations, policies, and decisions. Fair treatment means that <br /> no group of people should bear a disproportionate share of the negative <br /> environmental consequences resulting from industrial, governmental and <br /> commercial operations or policies. <br /> RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board: <br /> 1. Authorize the payment of negotiated easement value to individual property owners, <br /> within the project budget; <br /> 2. Authorize the County Attorney's office to proceed with legal acquisition of utility <br /> easements with court filing, as necessary; and <br /> 3. Authorize staff to bring back a budget amendment within the parameters outlined above <br /> to cover the cost of acquiring easements for this project. <br />