Land Sales committee approves contingent sale of tax-forfeited lot to resident Robert Farren

The Butte-Silver Bow Land Sales Committee voted to approve selling a tax-forfeited in-city parcel to Robert Farren to recoup the county’s back taxes, with the sale contingent on Zoning Board approval of required variances.

Chairman Will O’Connor said the county previously sold the parcel for $300 in 1993 and reacquired it on tax deed in 2016, and that the committee should aim to recover the outstanding taxes as the base price. Committee members approved a motion to set the sale amount at $2,526.67 (to cover back taxes), contingent on the Zoning Board granting any variances needed for the proposed use.

Robert Farren told the committee he plans to place a small house and garage on the lot with the front door facing the street and said he was willing to pay about $1,000 or less given the amount of work the site requires. He provided estimates for site preparation, which the committee summarized as: a land survey; ground leveling and garbage removal; installation of a new sewer line; and connection to the street water main.

Member Shawn Fredrickson moved to approve the sale to recoup back taxes in the amount of $2,526.67 contingent on Zoning Board variances; the motion was seconded by Member Byrnes and carried unanimously. (Note: the meeting roll call lists Karen Byrnes among members absent earlier in the minutes, but the transcript records a second by Byrnes.)

Next steps: the committee’s decision is contingent on the Zoning Board approving any variances needed for the proposed house and garage. The March 10 minutes were not voted on at this meeting and will be circulated for approval at the May meeting.