Flathead County to get fifth District Court judge
This Nov. 5, 2020, file photo shows the Flathead County Courthouse in Kalispell. (Matt Baldwin/Daily Inter Lake)
Flathead County will get a fifth District Court judge in January 2023, the Flathead County commissioners formally announced Wednesday.
Just before the 67th Montana Legislature wrapped up this session, lawmakers approved funding for another district judge and court staff for Flathead County.
For over four years, the Montana Supreme Court administrator has recommended that Flathead County receive a fifth district judge based on the county’s population and district court caseload, the commissioners noted in a press release. Until recently, the county has had to decline the additional judge due to a lack of physical space to house a new courtroom.
This spring, the county began remodeling the former CenturyLink Building on North Main Street. Once complete, the remodel will allow several county offices to move locations. The vacated space will then be reconfigured to include the addition of a new district court room on the second floor of the Flathead County Justice Center.
Flathead County Commissioner Randy Brodehl credited local legislators who worked to get funding for the extra judge and support staff.
Flathead District Judge Amy Eddy also lauded the decision to expand the district court.
“I sincerely appreciate the dedicated work of the Flathead County commissioners and the Montana Legislature to provide the space and funding for this position,” Eddy said in a prepared statement. “The addition of a fifth judge will be transformative for the members of our community involved in both the criminal and civil justice systems.”
Eddy noted that Flathead County is one of the fastest growing areas in Montana.
“These additional resources will allow us to address the growing demands on the judicial system, develop an Adult Drug Treatment Court, and continue to provide timely and meaningful access to the courts,” she said.
Funding for the judge and support staff will come from the state general fund. The new judge will be elected during the November 2022 general election, and will start on Jan. 2, 2023.