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Butte‑Silver Bow committee approves sale of tax‑foreclosed lot to Robert Farren, contingent on zoning variances
Summary
On April 20 the Land Sales Committee approved selling a tax‑foreclosed parcel to Robert Farren for the amount of back taxes ($2,526.67), contingent on Zoning Board variance approval; Farren said he plans to build a small house and garage and must complete survey, grading, debris removal, and utility connections.
The Butte‑Silver Bow Land Sales Committee voted April 20 to approve the sale of a tax‑foreclosed parcel to local resident Robert Farren, contingent on the Zoning Board granting necessary variances.
Robert Farren, who made the request to the committee as Communication No. 2026‑102, told the committee he intends to place a small house and garage on the lot and is willing to pay “$1,000 or less” because the parcel needs substantial work before it can be built on. Farren identified required improvements as a property survey, ground leveling, debris removal, installation of a new sewer line and connection to the street water main.
Chairman Will O’Connor reminded the committee that the county first received the property via back taxes, sold it for $300 in 1993, and regained it on a tax deed in 2016. O’Connor said the committee should at minimum recoup back taxes when setting a sale price. Member Julia Crain explained that the next formal step is for variances to be approved by the Zoning Board and that, because Butte‑Silver Bow owns the property, Crain would represent Farren before that board.
Member Shawn Fredrickson moved to approve the sale for the amount of back taxes, listed in the minutes as $2,526.67, contingent on Zoning Board variance approval. The record indicates a second was recorded and the minutes state the motion carried unanimously; the minutes do not list individual vote tallies.
The committee minutes note Farren’s estimate that, absent major investment, the parcel has limited utility and that he is prepared to invest in the site improvements if the sale proceeds. The minutes also record the practical requirements the buyer must address before building: survey work, grading, debris removal, sewer installation and water connection.
The committee did not approve the March 10, 2026 minutes at this meeting; the minutes will be sent for approval at the May meeting. The committee adjourned at 2:35 P.M.
