PORT ANGELES — Clallam County is moving closer to creating a standalone County Coroner Department after voters approved a change to the county charter separating the role from the prosecutor’s office. Previously, the county prosecutor also served as coroner under an ex-officio arrangement.
During a recent work session, County Administrator Todd Mielke briefed commissioners on a draft ordinance that would formally establish the department and outline how the new coroner will be appointed.
“We believe the ordinance is a way to establish the department. It’s got more permanency to it. Then the resolution becomes the process for appointing a specific person. He strongly recommends that we use the same process for appointing this position as we would for appointing a vacant position of an elected official,” said Mielke.
The draft ordinance also outlines the department’s structure, including the coroner’s authority to appoint deputy coroners and other staff to assist with death investigations.
Commissioners also discussed whether the coroner should be bonded, similar to other high-profile county officials like the sheriff and prosecutor. Mielke said bonding could help protect the county if a death investigation or determination of cause is challenged.
“I think there are some unique aspects of fulfilling the coroner’s function. Everything from, you know, they’re leading death investigations. Sometimes people want to challenge those investigations. They’re overseeing determination of cause of death, and sometimes people want to challenge those. And so for that purpose, my strong recommendation would be that the board consider bonding this position, like you do other public officials that are kind of higher profile.”
The ordinance also covers the coroner’s powers, compensation and reimbursement for job-related expenses.
If commissioners are satisfied with the language, the next step will be to schedule a public hearing on the ordinance before moving forward with appointing Clallam County’s first independent coroner under the new charter structure.