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Treasurer recommends pursuing tax deed on long-delinquent one-fifth tribal parcel; county to seek title guarantee
Summary
The county treasurer reported a long-delinquent parcel with one-fifth interest held by a deceased owner and recommended ordering a litigation guarantee to clear title so the county can take tax deed and offer repurchase to the tribe; back taxes on the share were listed at about $930 and title research at about $170.
Daniels County’s treasurer told commissioners she plans to pursue a tax deed for a real-estate parcel that has been delinquent for more than a decade and includes a one-fifth interest tied to tribal land.
The treasurer described the steps required: obtain a litigation guarantee from Montana Abstract to verify liens and encumbrances, notify heirs at last-known addresses, complete required notices and, if not redeemed, take the property into the county’s name in August or September. The treasurer said the county would then offer the tribe the opportunity to repurchase the parcel through the Bureau of Indian Affairs; she said BIA representatives had told her repurchase typically occurs.
“This is a one-fifth interest on tribal land…once we have it in our name, we can then approach the tribes and ask them if they want to do a repurchase,” the treasurer said. The treasurer reported back taxes on the one-fifth interest of roughly $930 and estimated title-search costs of about $170.
Why it matters: The move clears long-outstanding delinquent entries from county rolls, recovers unpaid taxes and follows a process designed to give the tribe an opportunity to repurchase the land under federal procedures. Commissioners noted legal and procedural steps must be followed before any transfer or sale, and the county attorney will review documents.
What’s next: The treasurer will order the litigation guarantee, complete required notifications, then report back with the abstract and recommended next steps to the commission.
