The Libby City Council, on a 4-2 vote, approved retaining Lucille Briggs as the city judge despite vocal opposition from the audience at the meeting. Briggs, however, was not at the meeting as she was in Helena attending a state-required continuing education session for city judges.

Libby resident John Klag also submitted a letter of interest for the position and was interviewed by the council at the meeting. He spoke of his more than 10-year career in law enforcement, presenting cases and occasionally operating as a prosecuting attorney on misdemeanor cases.

Libby residents Laura Tindall and Rob Hubbard rose to address the council and expressed their opposition to Briggs’ contract with the city being renewed. Both residents spoke of what they called disrespectful behavior from Briggs while adjudicating cases.

“She lashes out,” Hubbard said. “She yells at people, she belittles people.”

Sindy Filler, the City Attorney’s clerk, rose to speak in support of Briggs. She said the sheer number of cases pending in city court required someone with the ability to act immediately.

Councilwoman Peggy Williams expressed her concern that accusations about Judge Briggs’ professionalism were being made without her being present to defend herself.

Councilman Brent Teske said he dealt with Judge Briggs, as well as several other judges, during his tenure in law enforcement. He said in his experience she was always professional.

“I did not have any issue with Judge Briggs when I was in front of her as an officer,” he said. 

Councilman Olsen made a motion to appoint Klag, which was defeated. Councilman Gary Neff joined with Olsen in support of Klag. Council members Barb Desch, Williams, Teske and Dejon Raines voted against. Mayor Doug Roll then adjourned the meeting, announcing the renewal of Judge Briggs’ contract. After objections from the audience, the meeting was reopened so a motion could be made to renew Briggs’ contract, which passed by the same vote as the motion to appoint Klag was defeated.