West Virginia Code Chapter 16. Public Health § 16-13-7. Acquisition by condemnation or purchase

Every such municipality shall have power to condemn any such works to be acquired and any land, rights, easements, franchises and other property, real or personal, deemed necessary or convenient for the construction of any such works, or for extensions, improvements, or additions thereto, and in connection therewith may have and exercise all the rights, powers and privileges of eminent domain granted to municipal corporations under the laws relating thereto. Title to property condemned shall be taken in the name of the municipality. Proceedings for such appropriation of property shall be under and pursuant to the provisions of chapter fifty-four, of the Code of West Virginia, one thousand nine hundred thirty-one, and acts amendatory and supplemental thereto: Provided, That the municipality shall be under no obligation to accept and pay for any property condemned, and shall in no event pay for any property condemned or purchased, except from the funds provided pursuant to this article; and in any proceedings to condemn, such orders may be made as may be just to the municipality and to the owners of the property to be condemned, and an undertaking or other security may be required securing such owners against any loss or damage to be sustained by reason of the failure of the municipality to accept and pay for the property, but such undertaking or security shall impose no liability upon the municipality except such as may be paid from the funds provided under the authority of this article. In event of the acquisition by purchase the board may obtain and exercise an option from the owner or owners of said property for the purchase thereof, or may enter into a contract for the purchase thereof, and such purchase may be made upon such terms and conditions, and in such manner as the board may deem proper. In event of the acquisition of any works already constructed by purchase or condemnation, the board at or before the time of the adoption of the ordinance described in section five hereof, shall cause to be determined what repairs, replacements, additions, and betterments will be necessary in order that such works may be effective for their purpose, and an estimate of the cost of such improvements shall be included in the estimate of the cost required by section five hereof, and such improvement shall be made upon the acquisition of the works and as a part of the cost thereof.