Whenever it shall be necessary to take or damage private property for right of way or other purposes, for or in connection with any improvement or work authorized by this Act, such sanitary district may cause compensation therefor to be ascertained, and acquire the same, in the manner provided for the exercise of the right of eminent domain under the Eminent Domain Act: Provided, all such proceedings shall be instituted in the county where the property sought to be taken or damaged, is situate, and all damages or compensation, whether determined by agreement or final judgment of court, shall be paid out of the annual district tax prior to the payment of any other debt or obligation.