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EXHIBIT A Agency's Administrative Settlement Policy Administrative Settlements are occasionally required in addition to Just Compensation in order to acquire the necessary Right of Way through negotiation. These Administrative Settlements can help eliminate costly condemnation litigation and project construction delays. When Administrative Settlements occur, the project parcel right of way file shall contain rational justification and supporting documentation for the Settlement offer. Prior to approval of the Settlement the Agency shall give full consideration to all pertinent information including, but not limited to the following: 1. All available appraisals, including the owner's, and the probable range of testimony in a condemnation trial. 2. Ability of the agency to acquire the property, or possession, through the condemnation process to meet the construction schedule. Impact of construction delay pending acquisition. 3. The negotiators recorded information. 4. Recent court awards in cases involving similar acquisition and appraisal problems. 5. Likelihood of obtaining an impartial jury in local jurisdiction, opinion of legal counsel where appropriate. 6. Estimate of trial cost weighted against other factors. All pertinent information will be presented to the Program Administrator (Public Works Director) for approval. In the event that the Administrator is uncertain of the eligibility of the settlement, he or his designee will contact the Region Land Acquisition Coordinator for approval. Once the eligibility for settlement has been established, the Program Administrator (Public Works Director) will sign the authorization to proceed with the negotiated settlement. The signed authorization as well as all documentation will be placed in the right of way file. The level of authority to offer Administrative Settlements will be as follows and final approval will rest with the Kittitas County Board of Commissioners: 1. Acquisition (Construction Manager) -Just Compensation plus up to $5,000 Administrative Settlement. 2. Program Administration (Public Works Director or County Engineer) - Just Compensation plus up to $10,000 Administrative Settlement. 3. Kittitas County Board of Commissioners -All settlements exceeding Program Administrations authority. CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Washington State Department of Transportation Approved By: Local Programs Right of Way Manager Date Date LPA-001 Rev. 4/2023