Lebanon Utilities seeks eminent domain authority to secure route for Phase 2 wholesale water pipeline

Lebanon Utilities seeks eminent domain authority to secure route for Phase 2 wholesale water pipelineFacing a strict January 2028 completion deadline, the utility board has requested preemptive property acquisition powers as a last resort to secure easements across eight Boone County parcels.

The board approved Resolution 2026-12, asking the Common Council to delegate eminent domain powers for water infrastructure expansion.

The powers would be used to acquire temporary and permanent easements for new underground transmission lines in Boone County.

Utility officials cited a January 1, 2028, completion deadline for the Phase 2 wholesale water supply project as the driver for the preemptive request.

Eight properties are involved in ongoing negotiations, with assessed values and offers already communicated to landowners.

The Lebanon Utility Service Board has formally requested eminent domain authority from the city's Common Council to ensure the timely construction of its Phase 2 wholesale water supply project. During its September 9, 2026, meeting, the board unanimously approved Resolution 2026-12. The measure asks the council to delegate eminent domain powers to the utility to acquire temporary and permanent easements needed for new underground water transmission lines and corresponding infrastructure in Boone County, Indiana. The board's legal counsel emphasized that while eminent domain is considered a "last resort," the preemptive request is necessary to protect the project schedule. The Phase 2 wholesale water supply project faces a strict completion deadline of January 1, 2028. Officials noted that if eminent domain becomes absolutely necessary later in the process, the standard timeline for legal proceedings would push the utility beyond its target completion date. Negotiations for the required easements are currently underway. The board confirmed that eight properties are involved in the route, and assessed values have been communicated to the respective landowners. While offers have been made and the utility's engineering team is in communication with attorneys representing some property owners, the board hopes to settle all acquisitions voluntarily before exercising any delegated powers. In other water-related business, the board tabled Resolution 2026-11, which proposed amending and restating the schedules of water rates and charges for the LEAP Water District and the Civil Water District. Following significant discussion in a working session, the board opted to delay the vote until its October 7 meeting. Additionally, a board member requested that staff provide an updated timeline at the next meeting regarding the decision-making process for the utility's wastewater treatment plant outflow location.