Washington County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Washington County in 2026
WashingtonMDRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Washington County, Maryland. Members of the public may find data pertaining to ownership history, assessed values, recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, tax information, and land use designations. Record categories available through official channels include:
- Deeds and conveyance documents
- Mortgage and lien records
- Property tax assessments and payment history
- Plat maps and legal descriptions
- Building permit records
- Zoning and land use designations
Property records in Washington County may be searched through several official resources. The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation maintains assessment and ownership data statewide. Recorded instruments such as deeds and mortgages are accessible through Maryland Land Records, the digital repository maintained by the Maryland State Archives and verified by the Clerks of the Circuit Courts. Members of the public seeking guidance on locating recorded documents may also consult Land Records | Maryland Courts, which explains the role of each Circuit Court Clerk's Office in maintaining property records at the county level.
Multiple Access Methods:
- Online searches — The most convenient method; available at no cost through state and county portals
- In-person visits — Required for certified copies and access to older records not yet digitized
- By mail — Written requests submitted to the appropriate office with applicable fees
- Through professionals — Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed appraisers conduct comprehensive searches
Online Search Methods:
1. Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)
The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation serves as the primary resource for property assessment and ownership information statewide. Members of the public may access property information online at no cost and without registration.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel account number
- By map, grid, and parcel reference
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Property address and legal description
- Parcel account number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history and transfer dates
- Property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size)
How to Search:
- Navigate to the SDAT Real Property search portal
- Select "Washington County" from the county dropdown
- Choose a search type: address, owner name, or parcel number
- Enter the applicable search criteria
- Review the results list and select the relevant parcel
- View the full property record, including assessment history and sales data
- Print or save the information as needed
2. Maryland Land Records — Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Recorded instruments affecting title in Washington County are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court and are accessible through the Maryland Land Records digital repository, presented by the Maryland State Archives.
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller)
- Grantee name (buyer)
- Book and page number
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Instrument number
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
- Easements and declarations of restrictions
- Plats and surveys
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Lis pendens notices
- HOA documents
How to Search:
- Go to Maryland Land Records
- Select Washington County from the county list
- Choose a search type (grantor, grantee, document type, or date range)
- Enter the applicable search criteria
- Review the results and click to view document images
- Note the book and page or instrument number for reference
- Some document images may require a free account to view
3. Washington County Tax Records
Washington County's Finance Division administers property tax billing and collections. Tax information, including current balances, payment history, and delinquency status, may be accessed through the county's official portal.
Search By:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel account number
Information Available:
- Current tax bill and amount due
- Payment history
- Outstanding balances and delinquency status
- Exemptions applied
- Millage rates by taxing authority
- Installment plan status
4. Washington County GIS Mapping System
Washington County maintains an interactive GIS mapping system that allows members of the public to visually locate parcels, view property boundaries, and access linked assessment data.
How to Use:
- Navigate the interactive map to the subject property's location
- Click on a parcel to view identification and assessment data
- Access linked records including ownership and tax information
- View aerial photography, zoning layers, and flood zone designations
- Measure distances and view multiple map layers simultaneously
In-Person Searches:
Washington County Circuit Court — Clerk's Office
24 Summit Avenue
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (240) 313-2400
Maryland Courts
Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation — Washington County Office
35 West Washington Street, Suite 405
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (240) 420-5383
SDAT Real Property
Washington County Finance Division — Tax Office
100 West Washington Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (240) 313-2110
Washington County Government
By Mail Requests:
Circuit Court Clerk's Office (Recorded Documents):
- Mailing address: 24 Summit Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21740
- Specify the document by book and page number or instrument number
- Include the property address and approximate recording date range if the instrument number is unknown
- Enclose payment for applicable copy and certification fees
- Certified copies are available upon written request
SDAT Washington County Office (Assessment Records):
- Mailing address: 35 West Washington Street, Suite 405, Hagerstown, MD 21740
- Include the property address or parcel account number
- Specify the type of information requested
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Through Professionals:
Title Companies:
Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches, prepare abstracts of title, and issue title insurance commitments that identify all recorded interests affecting a property. Fees vary by transaction complexity and property value.
Real Estate Attorneys:
Licensed real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions, assist with complex ownership disputes, and advise on encumbrances identified during title examination. Fees vary by scope of representation.
Real Estate Agents:
Licensed agents access MLS data for listed properties, pull property histories, and provide comparable sales data as part of their representation services.
Search Tips:
- When searching by address, try variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
- When searching by owner name, try last name first and check spelling variations, including maiden names and business entity names
- When searching by legal description, use the exact subdivision name, lot number, and block number as recorded on the deed
- For historical records not yet digitized, contact the Circuit Court Clerk's Office directly; staff can retrieve records from microfilm or bound volumes
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear online due to recording processing delays
What Is Washington County Property Records
Property records in Washington County, Maryland, are official documents related to real property — encompassing land and any improvements affixed to it — maintained by county and state government offices. These records constitute the legal foundation for establishing ownership, recording encumbrances, and facilitating real estate transactions. Under Maryland Code, Real Property Article § 3-101, instruments affecting title to real property must be recorded with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where the property is situated to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors.
Purpose of Property Records:
- Establish and document legal ownership
- Provide an unbroken chain of title
- Record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens
- Document property transfers and sale prices
- Support property tax assessment and collection
- Protect property rights and enable title insurance
- Facilitate real estate lending and transactions
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Transfer records and ownership history
- Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
- Chain of title documentation
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens
- Easements and restrictive covenants
- Homeowner association documents
- Lis pendens notices
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Property tax assessments maintained by SDAT
- Tax bills and payment history maintained by the Washington County Finance Division
- Homestead, senior, and veteran exemption records
- Special assessments and delinquency records
Legal Descriptions:
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Recorded surveys
- Lot and block information
- Metes and bounds descriptions
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits issued by Washington County Division of Plan Review and Permitting
- Certificates of occupancy
- Code violation records
- Zoning and land use designations
Who Maintains Property Records:
Circuit Court Clerk's Office:
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Washington County records, indexes, and maintains all instruments affecting title to real property, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats. As noted by the Maryland Courts, "Land Records are located in that County's Circuit Court Clerk's Office. These departments maintain records about real property in the county that are accessible on a fee basis."
Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation:
SDAT maintains property valuation, assessment, ownership, and exemption records for all real property in Washington County. Assessments are conducted on a triennial cycle under Maryland Code, Tax-Property Article § 8-104.
Washington County Finance Division:
The Finance Division administers property tax billing, collections, and delinquency records at the local level.
Washington County Division of Plan Review and Permitting:
This office maintains building permit records, certificates of occupancy, zoning records, and code enforcement documentation.
Are Property Records Public Information in Washington County?
Property records in Washington County are public information. Under the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), General Provisions Article § 4-101 et seq., members of the public have the right to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies, including property records held by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office and SDAT. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement is necessary to access property records.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
- Maryland Public Information Act, General Provisions Article § 4-101 et seq.
- Maryland Code, Real Property Article § 3-101 (recording requirements and constructive notice)
- Common law tradition of public land records dating to colonial Maryland
- Constitutional protections for property rights
Why Property Records Are Public:
Transparency:
The public has a recognized interest in knowing who owns real property, how property is assessed for taxation, and what encumbrances affect title. Transparent property records prevent fraudulent transfers and support accountability in government assessment practices.
Commercial and Legal Purposes:
Public access to property records enables real estate transactions, title searches, title insurance underwriting, property appraisals, mortgage lending, and market analysis. The real estate industry depends on the integrity and accessibility of the public recording system.
Legal Protections:
Recording instruments with the Circuit Court Clerk provides constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and creditors. This principle — that a recorded instrument is deemed known to the world — is foundational to Maryland property law and is codified in Real Property Article § 3-101.
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel identification
- Sale prices and transfer dates
- Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics
- Deeds and all recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Certain personal information is redacted from recorded documents under Maryland law, including Social Security numbers and financial account numbers. Specific individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under the Maryland Address Confidentiality Program administered by the Office of the Attorney General.
Homestead exemption applications submitted to SDAT may contain personal financial information; the public availability of such applications is subject to SDAT's records policies.
Who Can Access Property Records:
- Any member of the general public, regardless of residency
- Real estate professionals, title companies, and appraisers
- Lenders, attorneys, and investors
- Researchers, journalists, and genealogists
- Out-of-state and foreign inquirers
Commercial Use of Property Records: Commercial aggregation of public property records is permitted under Maryland law. Title insurance companies, data services, and real estate platforms routinely compile and resell property record data. Anti-harassment statutes and fair housing laws continue to apply to the use of such information regardless of its public nature.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Washington County?
Members of the public may inspect property records online at no cost through SDAT's real property portal and the Maryland Land Records system. Fees apply when requesting physical copies, certified copies, or document images through the Circuit Court Clerk's Office.
Standard Fee Schedule — Washington County Circuit Court Clerk's Office:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of recorded document (per page) | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of recorded document | $5.00 per document + $0.50 per page |
| Land records search (in-person, self-conducted) | No charge |
| Document recording fee (first page) | $20.00 |
| Document recording fee (each additional page) | $5.00 |
| Plat recording | Varies by size |
Maryland State Transfer and Recordation Taxes (applicable at recording):
- State recordation tax: $2.50 per $500 of consideration (or fraction thereof)
- County transfer tax: 0.5% of consideration
- State transfer tax: 0.5% of consideration (first-time homebuyers may qualify for exemption on the state portion)
These fees are governed by Maryland Code, Tax-Property Article § 12-101 et seq. for recordation taxes and related transfer charges.
SDAT Assessment Records:
- Online access to assessment and ownership data: Free
- Copies of assessment records requested by mail or in person: Standard copying fees apply per SDAT's current schedule
Washington County Finance Division — Tax Records:
- Online access to tax account information: Free
- Copies of tax bills: Nominal copying fee
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person)
- Check or money order payable to the Clerk of the Circuit Court (mail requests)
- Credit and debit cards (accepted at the Clerk's Office; processing fees may apply)
Fee Waivers: Indigent parties and certain nonprofit organizations may request fee waivers for copies of public records under the Maryland Public Information Act. Requests for waivers must be submitted in writing to the applicable custodian of records.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Online viewing of assessment and ownership data through SDAT
- Online viewing of recorded document indexes through Maryland Land Records
- In-person self-service searches at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office
- GIS mapping and parcel data through Washington County's online portal
What's Included in a Washington County Property Record?
A Washington County property record is a compilation of official data drawn from multiple government sources, including the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, SDAT, and the Washington County Finance Division. The following categories of information are included in a comprehensive property record.
Ownership Information:
- Current owner name(s) as recorded on the most recent deed
- Ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants by the entirety, trust, LLC, corporation, life estate)
- Acquisition date and deed book/page or instrument number
- Mailing address for tax billing purposes
- Chain of title reflecting previous owners, transfer dates, and historical deed references
Property Identification:
- Site address and mailing address
- Parcel account number (assigned by SDAT)
- Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, or metes and bounds)
- Municipality and jurisdiction
Physical Characteristics:
- Lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, and frontage
- Zoning classification and land use designation
- Total living area in square feet
- Year built and effective year
- Number of stories, building type, and construction type
- Exterior wall material, roof type, and foundation type
- Number of bedrooms, full bathrooms, and half bathrooms
- Garage type and spaces, pool, porch/patio square footage, and fireplace(s)
- Heating and cooling systems, water source, and sewer system
- Condition and quality ratings
Valuation Information:
- Land value and improvement value (assessed)
- Total assessed value and estimated market value
- Assessment year and historical assessed values for prior years
- Agricultural classification value (if applicable)
Tax Information:
- Total tax amount due for the current year
- Breakdown by taxing authority (Washington County, State of Maryland, municipal corporation if applicable)
- Exemptions applied (homestead, senior, disability, veteran, agricultural)
- Taxable value after exemptions
- Millage rates
- Payment status, due dates, and payment history
- Delinquency history (if any)
Sales History:
- Sale dates, sale prices, and deed document numbers for recent transfers
- Grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer) names
- Sale type (warranty deed, quitclaim, foreclosure, tax deed, gift, inheritance)
- Documentary stamp amounts
Encumbrances and Liens:
- Recorded mortgages and deeds of trust, including lender names, recording dates, and original amounts
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and HOA liens
- Easements, restrictive covenants, and leases
- Lis pendens notices
Legal and Regulatory Information:
- Current zoning classification and permitted uses
- Future land use designation
- Special taxing districts (school, fire, water, other)
- Deed restrictions and subdivision covenants
- Flood zone designation (FEMA)
- Wetlands and conservation area designations
Maps and Images:
- Property exterior photograph
- Aerial photograph
- GIS map with property boundaries
- Plat map and property sketch
Building Permit Information (if integrated):
- Building permits issued, permit dates, and descriptions
- Contractor information and permit values
- Certificates of occupancy and inspection records
What Is NOT Typically Included:
- Current mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Social Security numbers (redacted under Maryland law)
- Interior photographs
- Private agreements not recorded with the Clerk
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
- Confidential exemption application details
How Long Does Washington County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Washington County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting title to real property — including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plats, and all related documents — are never destroyed. This permanent retention requirement reflects both the legal necessity of an unbroken chain of title and the historical importance of land records to the public.
Legal Basis for Retention: Maryland's records retention schedules, administered by the Maryland State Archives, require permanent retention of all recorded land instruments. The Maryland State Archives notes that land records "created and verified by the Clerks of the Circuit Courts" are preserved as part of the state's permanent digital repository. Recording statutes under Real Property Article § 3-101 further reinforce the permanent nature of these records by establishing that recorded instruments constitute constructive notice in perpetuity.
Records Kept Permanently:
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all conveyance types)
- All recorded mortgages, deeds of trust, satisfactions, and releases
- All recorded liens and lien releases
- All recorded plats, subdivision plats, and re-plats
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, and declarations
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Court documents affecting title
- Condominium declarations
Format and Storage:
Historical records in Washington County exist in multiple formats depending on the era of recording:
- Pre-20th century: Handwritten ledger books, stored in the Circuit Court vault
- Early-to-mid 20th century: Typed entries in bound record books and microfilm
- Late 20th century to present: Digital scans accessible through Maryland Land Records
The Maryland State Archives maintains the Maryland Land Records digital repository, which currently provides online access to Washington County land records. The extent of online digitization varies; members of the public seeking records not yet available online may access them in person at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office.
Access to Historical Records by Time Period:
| Time Period | Access Method | Typical Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Last 20+ years | Online via Maryland Land Records | Immediate, free viewing |
| 20–50 years ago | Microfilm or digital at courthouse | Same-day in-person access |
| 50–100 years ago | Bound volumes or microfilm | Staff retrieval; same-day or next-day |
| 100+ years ago | Archive storage; advance notice helpful | Public access guaranteed; fees apply |
Property Appraiser (SDAT) Assessment Records:
- Current and historical assessments: Maintained permanently
- Property cards and assessment rolls: Permanent retention
- Exemption applications: Retained for a minimum of several years per SDAT's internal schedule; contact SDAT for specific retention periods
Tax Collector Records:
- Tax payment records: Retained for a minimum of seven years
- Tax deed records: Permanent
- Delinquency records: Retained for several years following resolution
Destruction of Records: Recorded instruments affecting title are never destroyed. Administrative working files, duplicate copies, and internal correspondence may be destroyed following the applicable retention period under the Maryland State Archives' records retention schedule.
Contact for Historical Records:
Washington County Circuit Court — Clerk's Office
24 Summit Avenue
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (240) 313-2400
Maryland Courts
Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation — Washington County Office
35 West Washington Street, Suite 405
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (240) 420-5383
SDAT Real Property
How To Find Liens on Property in Washington County?
Liens on property in Washington County are recorded instruments and are therefore accessible through the same official channels used to search all land records. A lien search requires examining records held by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, the Washington County Finance Division, and federal agencies where applicable.
Types of Liens Recorded in Washington County:
- Mortgage liens and deeds of trust — Recorded by lenders at the time of loan origination
- Judgment liens — Recorded by creditors following a court judgment; attach to all real property owned by the debtor in the county
- Mechanic's liens — Filed by contractors, subcontractors, or material suppliers for unpaid work or materials
- State and local tax liens — Filed by the Comptroller of Maryland or Washington County for unpaid taxes
- Federal tax liens — Filed by the Internal Revenue Service; recorded with the Circuit Court Clerk
- HOA liens — Filed by homeowner associations for unpaid assessments
- Child support liens — Recorded by the Maryland Child Support Administration
Step-by-Step Lien Search Process:
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Search Maryland Land Records — Navigate to Maryland Land Records and search Washington County records by the property owner's name (as grantor and grantee) and by the property address or parcel number. Review all recorded instruments for lien filings, including UCC financing statements, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens.
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Search SDAT for Tax Liens — Access the SDAT Real Property portal to confirm whether any state tax liens are associated with the parcel account.
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Search Washington County Finance Division — Contact the Finance Division at (240) 313-2110 or visit in person at 100 West Washington Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740, to confirm the status of local property tax obligations and any outstanding municipal liens.
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Search Federal Tax Liens — Federal tax liens filed by the IRS are recorded with the Circuit Court Clerk's Office and are searchable through the Maryland Land Records system under the property owner's name.
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Search Maryland Judiciary Case Search — Judgment liens originate from court judgments. Members of the public may search the Maryland Judiciary Case Search to identify judgments entered against a property owner in Washington County Circuit Court or District Court.
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In-Person Search at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office — For a comprehensive lien search, members of the public may conduct an in-person grantor/grantee index search at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Staff can assist with locating records not yet available online.
Washington County Circuit Court — Clerk's Office
24 Summit Avenue
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (240) 313-2400
Maryland Courts
Important Notes on Lien Searches:
- A lien search conducted through online portals reflects only recorded instruments; unrecorded claims are not discoverable through public records searches
- Federal tax liens filed against individuals (not specific properties) attach to all real property owned by the debtor in the county
- Mechanic's liens in Maryland are governed by Real Property Article § 9-101 et seq. and must be filed within 180 days of the last date of work or delivery of materials
- Title companies and real estate attorneys conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title examination process and are equipped to identify and interpret all recorded encumbrances
What Is Property Owner Rule in Washington County?
The property owner rule in Washington County, Maryland, refers to the body of state and local law governing the rights, responsibilities, and limitations applicable to individuals and entities that hold title to real property within the county. Property ownership in Maryland is governed primarily by the Maryland Code, Real Property Article, which establishes the legal framework for acquiring, transferring, encumbering, and maintaining real property.
Ownership Rights Under Maryland Law: Property owners in Washington County hold the right to use, enjoy, lease, sell, mortgage, and devise their property subject to applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, easements, and state and local law. The Maryland Constitution and the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution protect property owners against uncompensated government takings.
Recording Requirements: Under Real Property Article § 3-101, any instrument conveying an interest in real property must be recorded with the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Washington County to be effective against subsequent purchasers and creditors without actual notice. An unrecorded deed is valid between the parties but does not provide constructive notice to third parties.
Property Tax Obligations: All owners of real property in Washington County are subject to annual property taxation. SDAT assesses property values on a triennial cycle, and Washington County levies taxes based on the assessed value. Property owners who believe their assessment is incorrect may appeal to the Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board for Washington County within 45 days of receiving the assessment notice, pursuant to Tax-Property Article § 14-502.
Homestead Tax Credit: Owner-occupants of residential property in Washington County may apply for the Homestead Tax Credit, which limits annual increases in taxable assessment to 10% per year for county purposes. Applications are submitted to SDAT and are a one-time filing requirement upon acquisition of the property.
Zoning and Land Use Regulations: Property owners are subject to Washington County's Zoning Ordinance, administered by the Washington County Department of Planning and Zoning. The ordinance governs permitted uses, setback requirements, building heights, lot coverage, and subdivision standards. Variances and special exceptions may be sought through the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Washington County Department of Planning and Zoning
100 West Washington Street, Suite 2600
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (240) 313-2430
Washington County Government
Landlord-Tenant Obligations: Property owners who lease residential property in Washington County are subject to the Maryland Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, codified in Real Property Article § 8-101 et seq. Landlords must maintain rental properties in a habitable condition, provide required disclosures, and comply with security deposit limitations and return requirements.
Nuisance and Code Compliance: Property owners are responsible for maintaining their property in compliance with Washington County's property maintenance code and nuisance ordinances. Code violations may result in civil citations, fines, and, in cases of persistent noncompliance, liens recorded against the property.
Adverse Possession: Under Maryland law, a person who openly, continuously, exclusively, and hostilely possesses another's real property for a period of 20 years may acquire title through adverse possession. Claims of adverse possession are adjudicated in the Circuit Court for Washington County.
Eminent Domain: Washington County and the State of Maryland retain the power of eminent domain — the authority to acquire private property for public use upon payment of just compensation. Property owners subject to condemnation proceedings have the right to contest the amount of compensation offered through the Circuit Court.