(1) When the department removes a sign, the sign owner, landowner or other person responsible for erecting the sign shall pay the cost of removal to the department. The department will store the sign for 30 days immediately following removal, during which time the sign may be claimed upon payment of the cost of removal and any costs associated with the removal and storage of the sign and collection of the cost of removal.

(2) A sign that is not claimed within 30 days after removal shall be deemed the property of the department, and may be disposed of by the department. Any money received from the disposal will be credited first towards the costs of removal and storage of the sign. Money in excess of such costs will be deposited with the state treasurer for credit to the state highway fund to offset the cost of issuing permits for signs. If the income generated from disposal of the sign does not meet or exceed the costs of removal and storage of the sign and the cost of collecting the cost of removal, the owner of the sign, landowner or other person responsible for erecting the sign shall pay the remaining costs.