(1) Every public administrator must make an initial determination of the absence of an heir or will, and take charge of the estates of persons who, upon their death, reside within his county, as follows:
(a)  Of the estates of decedents for which no personal representatives are appointed, and which, in consequence thereof, are being wasted, uncared for or lost and of estates which he is directed to administer by virtue of the provisions of subsection (a)(7) of section 15-3-203 of this code;
(b)  Of the estates of decedents who have no known heirs;
(c)  Of estates ordered into his hands by the court, and of estates to which the state of Idaho is an heir.
(2)  The public administrator must, until a personal representative is appointed, take charge of the property, located in the state of Idaho, of persons dying within his county who resided outside the state at the time of death.