District Judge Halts Firing Of Ravalli County Court Clerks

A district court judge in western Montana has granted a preliminary injunction halting the layoffs of two Ravalli County court clerks that are among 17 county employees commissioners decided to cut to save money.

Judge Jeffrey Langton on Friday ruled that the court clerks are necessary expenses because they are needed by the justices of the peace to perform their duties.

Justices Jim Bailey and Robin Clute on Thursday requested the injunction just hours after commissioners voted to cut the positions.

A hearing before Langton to give the commissioners an opportunity to justify the cuts is scheduled for Friday.

Associated Press