Whenever in the opinion of the council or other governing body of a city or town, a right-of-way through the lands of others (whether in or out of the city or town) is necessary for obtaining a water supply or for sewerage or drainage purposes and whenever the council or other governing body may determine to change the grade of any street, sidewalk, or public place and whenever any property is needed for any city or town purpose, the council or other governing body shall authorize the mayor or other chief executive officer to attempt to acquire such right by purchase from the owner or owners thereof and, in case of failure, to acquire the same by condemnation.
Ala. Code § 11-47-171 (1975)