If the utility shall have replied to the inquiry provided for in N.H. Rev. Stat. § 38:7 in the negative or if it shall have failed to reply within the time prescribed in N.H. Rev. Stat. § 38:7, the municipality, in the event that it shall have passed the vote or votes required in N.H. Rev. Stat. § 38:3, 38:4, and 38:5 and after the commission upon proper notice and hearing has determined that it is in the public interest to do so, may construct a municipal plant or may take all or any portion of such private plant and property by condemnation, paying therefor just compensation determined in the manner provided in N.H. Rev. Stat. § 38:9.