Whenever it is necessary for the board of park commissioners of a township park district to determine the value of any real property owned by the board, or which it proposes to acquire by purchase, lease, or appropriation, the board may employ competent appraisers to advise it of the value of such property, or expert witnesses to testify thereto in an appropriation proceeding, and shall pay a reasonable compensation for such services.
R.C. § 511.231