Treasure County to seek appraisal and realtor advice before selling 3,200 acres; retains mineral rights for now

Treasure County commissioners agreed on Oct. 21 to obtain professional appraisal quotes for a large county-owned rangeland parcel and to explore recorded easement/access arrangements before placing the land on the market.

A real estate professional, introduced to the board as Drew Gerber of the Boggins Company, reviewed title and access issues and urged patience. "I think it's gonna be a little bit tricky," he told the commissioners while outlining concerns about insurable access and the need for an arms-length appraisal. Gerber said the property includes lease arrangements that expire Dec. 31, 2025, and that a sale above $20,000 in Montana typically requires a formal appraisal.

Key concerns and guidance: Gerber advised the county to (1) obtain an appraisal that explicitly values the land with and without documented easement access, (2) consider retaining mineral rights rather than selling them, and (3) market the property widely (Billings MLS, land-specific sites) to maximize competitive offers. He noted that lack of insurable access would depress value and that adjoining leaseholders could be approached for easement agreements or a structured trade.

Board decision and finances: Commissioners directed staff to request appraisal quotes and to return with costs and timing estimates; they signaled a preference to retain mineral rights rather than include them in a surface sale. Commissioners also discussed possible appraisal costs in the five‑figure range for a parcel of this size and the need to be transparent and arms-length in marketing to avoid later disputes.

Next steps: staff will solicit appraiser quotes (including valuations with and without easements), consider a request for written easement agreements with adjacent lessees, and report back to the board. The county reiterated its interest in placing the land on the tax rolls if a suitable sale materializes.