Montana Title 76. Land Resources and Use § 76-16-317. Disposition of sale proceeds

(1) The proceeds of the sale must be applied by the sheriff, after first deducting the sheriff's costs and expenses, to the discharge of the claims and the costs of the proceedings in selling the property and to the payment of the damages, claims, and costs of the party taking up the livestock. The remainder of the proceeds, if any, may be paid over to the owner of the livestock, if known. If the owner is not known, then the remainder must be deposited with the county treasurer, who shall keep the remainder of the proceeds in a public fund to be designated state district fund (giving the name of the state district). A separate fund, styled as above, must be kept by the county treasurer for each state district within that county. The county treasurer shall record the number, type, and brands, if any, of animals sold, the amount received for the animals, and the amount of deductions. The record must be open to public inspection.

(2) A person claiming ownership of the livestock and submitting proof of ownership to the board of county commissioners within 1 year from date of sale is entitled to receive any excess received from the sale of the livestock, provided the claim is to the satisfaction of the board.

(3) Any money received from the sale of the livestock that is not claimed within 1 year after the sale must be transferred to the general fund of the county.