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Treasure County to list large parcel for sale; commissioners retain mineral rights and select broker
Summary
After a public hearing and realtor presentations, Treasure County commissioners voted to list a county-owned parcel for sale, retain mineral rights, allow online advertising and hire Ranch Mart as the listing broker. The board said proceeds would be invested and earnings used for county needs.
Officials in Treasure County on Feb. 3 opened a public hearing and voted to begin the formal process of selling a large county-owned parcel, retaining mineral rights and using a real estate broker to market the land.
County Attorney Hannah Schantz opened the hearing and explained the statutory steps the commissioners must follow to list and sell county land. "We have to have a public hearing to sell this property," Schantz said, and she walked attendees through title, appraisal and posting requirements.
Several local realtors introduced proposals and answered commissioners’ questions about commission, marketing and the effects of limited access on price. Jim Espie of Ranch Mart described his firm’s state-wide marketing reach; Ward Fenton, a local broker, emphasized local knowledge and experience. Prospective buyers’ need for a clear access route emerged as a central issue for valuation.
During public comment, Gary VanHale urged the board not to sell, arguing the county would forgo recurring lease and block-management revenue in exchange for one-time proceeds. "If you sell this land, you'll give up $25,000 a year for $1,100 in taxes," VanHale said, adding concern about access and long‑standing easement disputes that could affect marketability.
Commissioners voted to proceed with a sale process and instructed staff and counsel to prepare listing materials and a resolution. They also voted to retain the county's mineral rights and royalty interests in any sale. The board then voted to hire Ranch Mart as the listing agent and authorized online advertising and local postings; the attorney advised allowing at least a two‑week public advertising window and noted that any offer would require a subsequent public meeting with at least 48 hours' posted notice before acceptance.
The board did not record a roll-call vote in the transcript; motions and approvals were carried by voice vote during the hearing. Next steps include finalizing listing agreements, posting statutory notices in county locations and on the county website, and resolving access/title questions identified in the appraisal and title commitment.
