Commission working to fill county's legal void

In the wake of Hill County Attorney Karen Alley and Deputy Hill County Attorney R. Timothy Jeffrey announcing their resignations within six weeks of each other, the Hill County Commission is moving to temporarily fill the void that will be left after their departure.

Alley announced her departure last month after accepting a position at the Montana Association of Counties, and Jeffrey announced his departure last week. The former’s resignation is effective Oct. 24, and the latter’s is effective Nov. 2.

Hill County Commissioner Mark Peterson said Friday afternoon the commission is in conversation with an attorney who may be able to serve as interim county attorney until more permanent replacements for Alley and Jeffrey are found.

Peterson said they are still in talks and can’t make an official announcement until they get confirmation that the attorney will take the job.

Peterson said the commission hasn’t received any applications for the permanent position of county attorney but they have received a few inquiries.

He said the absence of Alley and Jeffrey leaves a big hole in county operations until someone applies for the position, but they can seek help from neighboring counties in the meantime.