7-8-2509. Improvements on leaseholds. - Montana Statutes

     7-8-2509. Improvements on leaseholds. (1) The board may authorize a lessee to place upon the lands improvements directly related to conservation of the land or necessary for proper utilization of the land for the purposes for which it is leased.
     (2) (a) Whenever another person becomes the lessee of such land, such other persons shall pay to the former lessee the reasonable value of such improvements at the time the new lessee takes possession of such lands. The former lessee may, at the former lessee's option, remove or dispose of the movable improvements, but the same must be removed within 60 days from the date of the expiration of the lease. If not so removed, then all such improvements shall become the property of the county unless the board for good cause grants additional time for the removal thereof. Before a lease is issued to the new lessee, the new lessee shall show that the former lessee has been paid the value of the improvements as agreed upon by them or as fixed and determined as herein provided or that the former lessee has elected to remove the improvements.
     (b) In case the former lessee and the new lessee are unable to agree on the reasonable value of such improvements, then such value shall be ascertained by three arbitrators. One of the arbitrators shall be appointed by the former lessee, one by the new lessee, and the third by the two arbitrators so appointed. The reasonable compensation that such arbitrators may charge for their services shall be paid in equal shares by the former lessee and the new lessee. The value of the improvements so ascertained and fixed by the arbitrators shall be binding on both parties; provided, however, that if either party is dissatisfied with the valuation so fixed, the dissatisfied party may, within 10 days of being notified of the arbitrators' decision, appeal from that decision to the board. The decision of the board shall be final. Any costs incurred by the board in reexamining the decision of the arbitrators shall be borne by the former lessee and the new lessee in such proportions as the board may determine.
     (3) The provisions of this section shall apply to the holders of permits or licenses for the use of county lands.

     History: En. 84-4192.1 by Sec. 3, Ch. 540, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 84-4192.1(3), (4).