Council extends MOU with Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office amid public criticism over staffing and transparency

The Libby City Council approved an extension of its memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office to continue using county officers for field-officer training and to cover shifts the city cannot fill while it rebuilds its police force.

The motion to extend the MOU was made and seconded during the meeting. A councilor announced an abstention during the vote; the transcript does not record the name tied to the abstention. After public comment and the tally, the motion carried and staff were directed to sign the extension and return it to the Sheriff’s Office.

During public comment a resident criticized the council’s agenda process and questioned staffing and oversight. The commenter said the city did not inform the public about current officer counts, referenced a recent “big quit,” and alleged there is at least one officer under investigation and a grievance against the chief. That commenter asked the council to put an item on the agenda to address the alleged transparency problems. Council members did not take formal action on internal personnel matters at the meeting.

Council discussion as recorded focused on the practical need for the county’s assistance while the city continues to rebuild its police force and train officers. The extension was presented as an operational measure to maintain public-safety coverage while staffing levels remain in flux. The council approved the extension; staff will finalize and sign the agreement with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

No vote tally with member-by-member votes was recorded in the meeting transcript for the MOU extension beyond a recorded abstention and the motion being recorded as carried.