1. The court, at the time of the hearing, shall appoint a special master to fix the amount of damages and compensation for the taking and condemnation of the property described in the petition and the persons entitled thereto, and to report thereon to the court. The special master shall be a disinterested person not related to anyone having an interest in or lien upon the property sought to be condemned. The compensation of the special master shall not exceed $15 per day plus travel and subsistence expenses.
2. The special master immediately after appointment shall subscribe to an oath that to the best of his or her ability the special master will truly find and return the compensation for the taking and condemnation of the property and the persons entitled thereto.