Commissioners Appoint Evans As Interim Clerk
Roosevelt County’s deputy clerk of court Laurie Evans has been appointed by the county commissioners to be interim clerk of court/ county superintendent of schools.
The decision was needed after Jeri Toavs resigned from the positions July 8. Commissioner Gordon Oelkers officially announced Toavs’ resignation during the meeting on Tuesday, July 16.
Oelkers explained that the commissioners officially accepting the resignation wasn’t needed because Toavs is an elected official.
“After 25 years, we thank her for her service,” Commissioner Robert Toavs said.
Commissioners unanimously appointed Evans as interim clerk of courts/superintendent of schools until Jan. 1, 2025, when the newly elected clerk/superintendent will take office. Jeri Toavs and Erika Fyfe are on the ballot for the positions.
Roosevelt County Attorney Theresa Diekhans explained that the appointment follows Montana Code Annotated that reads, “The commissioners may appoint a person to serve as an interim officer for the time period between occurrence of the vacancy and the date on which the vacancy is filled pursuant to this section. A person appointed as an interim officer must have the qualifications required under this chapter for the office to which the person has been appointed. Upon appointment, the interim officer is authorized to perform the duties assigned by law to that office.”
Commissioners then approved a resolution to grant Evans a leave of absence from the deputy clerk position effective until Jan. 1, 2025. The resolution makes sure that the deputy clerk position remains open until Evans can take the spot back after her time as interim clerk/superintendent.
Diekhans said the resolution allows Evans not to lose any accrued time that she has earned as deputy clerk.
“The biggest thing is guaranteeing Laurie her position back,” Commissioner Toavs added.
Commissioners will discuss at their next meeting whether to an approve the hiring of another person in the office. That individual will be hired only on an interim basis and not be considered a clerk.
Also during the meeting, commissioners received the resignations of Mary Lou Miller from the Aging Board and Sheri Harvey from the Froid Library. Sheila Dunn was approved for her annual pay raise.
