Mountrail County moves to sell underused foster‑care house; appraisal $388,500

The Mountrail County Board of Commissioners voted on Jan. 6, 2026, to begin the process of selling a county‑owned foster‑care house at 2 Valley Drive in Stanley.

Commissioner Joan Hollekim told the board she had spoken with Desiree Sorenson, director of the Mountrail‑McKenzie Human Service Zone, who indicated the zone does not have a need for the home “at the present time or the immediate future,” a point reflected in the board’s resolution. The county’s tax appraisal, presented by Tax Director Kim Savage, valued the land at $46,200 and the structure at $342,300 for a combined appraisal of $388,500.

The board approved a motion, moved by Commissioner John DeGroot and seconded by Commissioner Hollekim, to start the sale process and to obtain the appraisal through the tax office. The commissioners then voted to hire Reynolds Realty under a non‑exclusive listing agreement with a six percent commission and retained the county’s right to reject offers deemed insufficient. The resolution cites N.D.C.C. §11‑27‑03.1 and was adopted by roll call vote.

The minutes note that, after a realtor is engaged, that realtor will evaluate a listing price; the tax appraisal is the county’s valuation for administrative purposes. The board did not record offers, sale terms, or a listing price on Jan. 6; those details will be determined during the marketing process.