Section 8-23-17-15 - Payment based on average annual net earnings(a) A displaced person eligible for payment under section 13 of this chapter who is displaced from a place of business or farm operation and elects to accept the payment authorized by this section in lieu of the payment authorized by section 13 of this chapter may receive a fixed payment in an amount equal to the average annual net earnings of the business or farm operation. However, except as provided in section 12(2) of this chapter, the payment shall not be more than five thousand dollars ($5,000). In the case of a business, no payment shall be made under this section unless the agency head is satisfied that the business: (1) cannot be relocated without a substantial loss of its existing patronage; and(2) is not a part of a commercial enterprise having at least one (1) other establishment not being acquired by the agency and which is engaged in the same or similar business.(b) For purposes of this section, "average annual net earnings" means one-half (1/2) of any net earnings of the business or farm operation, before federal, state, and local income taxes, during the two (2) taxable years immediately preceding the taxable year in which the business or farm operation moves from the real property acquired by the agency. The term includes any compensation paid by the business or farm operation to the owner, the owner's spouse, or dependents during the period.As added by P.L. 18-1990, SEC.226.