180.16 Acquisition by municipality of property of private company.—When a municipality has granted to a private company or corporation a privilege or franchise, as set forth in s. 180.14, if at the expiration of the term of the privilege or franchise and after petition of the private company or corporation, the municipality fails or refuses to renew the privilege or franchise, then upon further petition of the private company or corporation, its property, consisting of all the works constructed and used in the operation and use of the utility, together with the appurtenances, materials, fixtures, machinery, and real estate appertaining thereto, which is on hand at the time of the expiration of said privilege or franchise, shall be purchased by the said municipality at a price to be mutually agreed upon; provided, however, if the price for same cannot be agreed upon, the price shall be determined by an arbitration board consisting of three persons, one of whom shall be selected by the city council or other legislative body, one shall be appointed by the private company or corporation, and the two persons so selected shall select a third member of said board; and provided further, that in the event said board cannot agree as to the price to be paid by the said municipality, then the municipality shall file appropriate condemnation proceedings under chapter 73, within 6 months after the date of filing the original petition.
