Fergus County installs full-time county attorney, authorizes special deputies and reappoints local board members

Fergus County commissioners on Dec. 24 approved a set of personnel actions including making Robert Spoya a full-time county attorney, authorizing special-deputy county attorneys for limited assignments, and reappointing members to county boards.

By voice vote the board approved Resolution 27-25 to appoint Robert Spoya to a full-time county attorney position. Commissioners said the county has been short-handed in the attorney’s office and is handling a heavy felony caseload; the full-time hire is intended to provide sustained local prosecution capacity. The motion passed after a voice vote in which one commissioner recorded opposition.

The board also approved Resolution 28-25, authorizing special-deputy county attorneys such as Lynn Grant of Wheatland County to assist on specific matters as needed. Officials said some of those special appointments may not be used once the new full-time attorney begins work, expected the day after Christmas.

Separately, the board reappointed Nick Schultz to the county planning board and reappointed Pam Roger to the council on aging (term ending June 30, 2028). Those appointments were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Commissioners framed the attorney appointments as a response to staffing gaps and workload pressure; one commissioner noted Mr. Spoya has prosecution experience in Yellowstone County and currently serves in Carbon County. The vote records in the transcript are by voice; the meeting did not produce a detailed roll-call tally in the record provided.

Next steps: Mr. Spoya is expected to assume full-time duties immediately and county staff will proceed with onboarding and notify the reappointed board members.