(A) The notice of the determination of the appraisal panel required to be given by the condemnor to the landowner under Sections 28-2-260(B) and (C) must be captioned NOTICE OF DETERMINATION OF APPRAISAL PANEL AND (NOTICE OF APPEAL) or (NOTICE TO ELECT).

(B) The notice must at least:

(1) designate the parties to the action in the same manner as the Condemnation Notice;

(2) state in words and numbers the amount determined by the appraisal panel to be just compensation;

(3) contain one of the following statements: "THE CONDEMNOR REJECTS AND APPEALS FROM THE DETERMINATION OF THE APPRAISAL PANEL AND DEMANDS A TRIAL DE NOVO;

(or)

THE CONDEMNOR ACCEPTS THE DETERMINATION OF THE APPRAISAL PANEL. WITHIN THIRTY DAYS OF RECEIPT OF THIS NOTICE, THE LANDOWNER MUST NOTIFY THE CONDEMNOR IN WRITING, DELIVERED IN PERSON OR BY CERTIFIED MAIL, WITH RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, TO CONDEMNOR AT (insert the condemnor's address) THAT THE LANDOWNER ELECTS EITHER TO ACCEPT THE DETERMINATION OF THE APPRAISAL PANEL OR TO APPEAL THEREFROM AND DEMAND A TRIAL DE NOVO. A NOTICE OF APPEAL MUST ALSO BE FILED WITH THE CLERK OF COURT WITH THE DATE OF SERVICE NOTED THEREON.

A FAILURE TO GIVE NOTICE OF ELECTION WITHIN THE THIRTY-DAY PERIOD WILL CONSTITUTE AN ACCEPTANCE OF THE APPRAISAL PANEL'S DETERMINATION AND A WAIVER OF THE RIGHT TO APPEAL.

(and in either case)

A trial to determine just compensation will be by jury unless both parties request trial by the court without a jury. The case may not be called for trial before sixty days after the service of the Notice of Appeal but it may thereafter be given priority for trial over other civil cases. The clerk of court shall give the landowner notice by mail of the call of the case for trial.

THEREFORE, IF THE DETERMINATION OF THE APPRAISAL PANEL IS REJECTED, THE LANDOWNER IS ADVISED TO OBTAIN LEGAL COUNSEL AT ONCE, IF NOT ALREADY OBTAINED."

(4) if notice of depositing funds with the clerk has not already been given or possession has not already been taken, contain the following statement:

"The amount of the determination has been deposited with the clerk of court. The condemnor now has the right to take possession of the property interests and exercise the rights described in the Condemnation Notice.";

(5) contain the following statement:

"If the landowner accepts the determination of the appraisal panel, payment of that amount will be made by the clerk of court."

HISTORY: 1987 Act No. 173, Section 1.