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Council tables coroner office reclassification amid state funding uncertainty
Summary
The council voted 6–1 to table a request to reclassify a coroner office position (Comstat 6 to PAT 5) until the first meeting in May, citing uncertainty about state revenue changes and the need for further review of duties and reporting structure.
Vanderburgh County Council voted 6–1 to table a proposed reclassification of a coroner office position until its first meeting in May.
The coroner’s office requested reclassifying a role currently listed as ComStat 6 to a PAT 5 classification, arguing the position combines deputy‑coroner duties with front‑office administrative responsibilities and would be difficult to fill at the current pay. Debbie Smith, who said she currently performs both deputy‑coroner and secretarial duties, told the council the role includes subpoena handling, family communications, coordination with funeral homes, and generation of case paperwork.
Council members raised fiscal concerns tied to pending state action that could reduce county revenues, and some members said the timing made it prudent to pause ahead of possible funding changes. One council member noted that a state property‑tax bill could materially affect county revenues and recommended a short delay. Another member suggested the request might require a narrower reclassification or committee review to verify supervisory duties and precise responsibilities before approving a higher pay grade.
The motion to table specified referral until the council’s first May meeting; a roll call produced six votes in favor of tabling and one opposed. Council members asked staff to return in May with more detailed analysis of the position’s duties and any intermediate classification options.
Outlook: The coroner’s reclassification will return to the council in May with additional information on reporting lines, supervisory responsibilities, and the fiscal outlook tied to state funding.
