Roosevelt speaker: County seeks $1.085 million to buy former OMS shop in Culbertson

Speaker 3 told the meeting that Roosevelt County is exploring purchase of the former OMS mechanic shop and adjoining land in Culbertson and that the property is being appraised at $1,085,000. “We need $1,085,000 to buy it,” Speaker 3 said, adding the county is talking to its federal delegation about grant money and plans to write to Governor Gianforte and Attorney General Knudson to request one-time state funds.

The county would keep a large area for a community center and fair use and would allow the City of Culbertson to use the mechanic shop area for the Culbertson Fire Department, Speaker 3 said. Speaker 3 described the site as having four large doors suitable for vehicle access and said the space could be used for emergencies and community events, noting it “used to always be used for the fair.”

Speaker 1 asked whether an alternate state agency, Fish, Wildlife and Parks, could provide funding or transfer the property; Speaker 1 also noted a complication that the deed is in the State of Montana’s name and that state statute governs the sale. Speaker 3 said the county is pursuing multiple avenues: working with the federal delegation, requesting a one-time appropriation from the governor, and considering a cost-sharing approach between the county, the city and the fire department if outside funding is not secured.

Speaker 3 said there are currently two favorable members on the state land board and that a conversation with Jim Forte suggested the possibility of one-time state funding, but that “nothing was signed or secured yet.” The speaker described finding the money as “our next project” and said the county would report back at a future meeting when there is an update.

Next steps, as described in the meeting, are outreach to federal and state officials and follow-up discussion at a subsequent meeting; no formal appropriation or purchase vote occurred at this session.