A former Libby City councilor has returned to the fold, this time working as the deputy city administrator.

Gary Beach began his new job Monday, March 2.

City administrator Sam Sikes said Beach is already proving his value to the city.

“I’ve been at a conference in Livingston all week and Gary is already taking care of a lot of things while I’m gone,” Sikes said in a March 6 phone conversation with The Western News. “He’s a great guy to bring in. His knowledge and expertise is excellent.”

Beach has lived in Libby since 1989 and was a candidate for city council in 2015. While he was not elected, he was then appointed to a city seat in September 2016 to fill a vacancy after council member Dejon Raines announced her resignation after learning she was pregnant. 

Beach has served as the chair of the city’s Budget and Finance and Lights, Streets and Sidewalks committees. He was also a member of the Water and Sewer and Wildlife committees.

Beach’s work experience includes stints with Timberline Auto and Noble Excavating. Beach is still employed at Cabinet Mountain Brewing as a brewer.

“I’m well aware of the needs of the city and my knowledge is pretty wide,” Beach said during Monday’s meeting.

Sikes said Beach would be a “boots on the ground” employee, handling day-to-day work while he would focus his time on budgets, new legislation and other matters to assist the mayor.

Beach resigned his council seat in August 2024, citing personal matters. He was succeeded by Gail Burger, who won re-election in November 2025.