7-8-2520. Appraisal required for certain purchases of real property or conservation easements. (1) Unless otherwise provided by law, a county may not purchase real property in an amount in excess of $20,000 or a conservation easement using public funds in an amount in excess of $80,000 unless the value of the property or conservation easement has been previously estimated by:

(a) a disinterested certified general real estate appraiser selected by the county commission, county attorney, and landowner; or

(b) three disinterested citizens of the county appointed by the district judge.

(2) A county may not pay more than the appraised value for the real property or conservation easement.