City budgets about $550,000 for Alta Smyrna Road right-of-way; engineering to begin

Staff presented a procedural request to authorize engineering and begin right-of-way acquisition for phase 1 improvements on Alta Smyrna Road. The city manager said engineering will proceed ASAP and that market negotiations will determine any final easement costs, but staff has budgeted about $550,000 for right-of-way as part of the capital project.

Commissioners discussed easement valuation and the city's approach to market offers and condemnation if negotiations fail; staff noted anti-corruption laws limit paying above-market prices and described condemnation as an available, though seldom-preferred, option if agreements cannot be reached.

Next steps: staff will proceed with engineering and begin outreach and negotiation for easements within the board-authorized budget framework.