Montana Title 82. Minerals, Oil, and Gas § 82-10-201. Authorization for lease and terms--land not subject to leasing

The governing body of any county, city, town, school district, or incorporated political subdivision within the state of Montana may, if in the best interests of the county, city, town, school district, or incorporated political subdivision, lease any real property owned by the county, city, town, school district, or incorporated political subdivision for oil and gas development purposes. Such leases shall be made upon the best terms obtainable, shall provide for such terms, except as hereinafter provided, as the governing body shall consider to be for the best interests of the county, city, town, school district, or incorporated political subdivision, shall reserve a royalty of not less than 12 1/2% which shall include any royalty payable to any person other than the lessor, and shall be for a period not exceeding 10 years and so long thereafter as oil, gas, or other hydrocarbons shall be produced from the premises embraced in the lease. However, nothing contained herein shall authorize the leasing of lands acquired by a county by tax deed except under the provisions of Title 7, chapter 8, part 25.