(a) Where any governmental agency, corporation, association, firm, partnership or individual is authorized under the laws of this state, or of the United States, to take property belonging to any of the incorporated municipalities, cities or towns within this state, and such power and authority is exercised to the extent that such incorporated municipality, city or town can no longer function as such, the right to compensation for the property so taken shall vest in the taxpayers of such incorporated municipality, city or town owning real estate or personal property assessed for ad valorem taxes within such incorporated municipality, city or town.
(b) Such rights shall become vested as of the date the first property or properties are acquired by such governmental agency, corporation, association, firm, partnership or individual having the right under the laws of this state or the United States to acquire such property, either by sale, condemnation proceedings or eminent domain.