The Flathead County Solid Waste District acquired 25.66 acres next door to the landfill last week.

The district purchased the land at 4150 U.S. 93 North from Mountain West Bank. The district paid $552,000, which was 8 percent lower than the appraised value of $600,000.

Nearly all of the parcel is undeveloped land, but a 2,200-square foot house is on the property, county Public Works Director Dave Prunty said. The bank has been renting out the house, Prunty said.

The Solid Waste District hasn’t yet determined what to do with the property for the long term, he said, but the rental agreement can be terminated by either party with 30 days’ notice.

The tenant will stay in the house for the next several months at least.

Prunty told county commissioners there are multiple options for the house. It could continue to be rented out, it could be sold with a requirement it be moved, the district could move it off the grounds, it could be torn down or it could be used to house some other county office.

Commissioner Dale Lauman complimented Prunty on finally obtaining the land.

“Twelve or so years ago when I was on the Solid Waste Board, we tried to buy that land,” Lauman said. “It just took some time to get it done.”

Lauman said the parcel is “a valuable piece of land” that gives the landfill some buffer between it and the next neighbor.

The board continues its efforts to acquire more land for operations, Prunty said. It now owns enough land to bury garbage for about 40 years at current trash levels, but would like to own land for a 100-year landfill life.

 Reporter Shelley Ridenour may be reached at 758-4439 or [email protected].