Billings County approves purchase of 10-acre Fairfield tract amid cleanup unknowns

Billings County commissioners approved a purchase agreement for a 10-acre tract at Fairfield, north of the county shop and the fire department, moving forward with the acquisition "as is." The chair framed the decision as time-sensitive, saying the county risked losing the parcel if it delayed negotiations.

Commissioners discussed ambiguity in the purchase agreement about whether existing items on the property — including trucks and a Connex storage container — would transfer with the sale. The chair cautioned the agreement reads like "once it's signed, whatever is there is ours" and said the equipment on-site is largely in poor condition. Commissioners estimated cleanup could cost several thousand dollars but noted some costs might be offset by scrap sales. The chair also reported that a well on the parcel was listed as an "8 gallon a minute" well in available records.

A motion to purchase the parcel at the stated price as presented received a second; commissioners voted in favor and the motion carried. The board did not record further conditions in the meeting's discussion and did not direct staff to return with modified terms during this session.