(a) If the personal property described in the notice is not released pursuant to Section 21712.7, it shall be sold at public sale by competitive bidding. However, if the owner reasonably believes that the total resale value of the property not released is less than three hundred dollars ($300), the owner may keep, sell, destroy, or otherwise dispose of the property in any manner. Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude the owner or former occupant from bidding on the property at the public sale.
(b) An advertisement of the sale shall be published pursuant to Section 21707.
(c) After deduction of the rent and costs of advertising and sale, any balance of the proceeds of the sale which is not claimed by the former occupant shall be paid into the treasury of the county in which the sale took place not later than 30 days after the date of sale. The former occupant may claim the balance within one year from the date of payment to the county by making an application to the county treasurer or other official designated by the county. If the county pays the balance or any part thereof to a claimant, neither the county nor any officer or employee thereof shall be liable to any other claimant as to the amount paid.