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San Juan County appoints Greg Sawyer as coroner; council thanks interim coroner Tamara Green
Summary
The county appointed Facilities Director Greg Sawyer as coroner effective May 13 following state RCW changes that required a new coroner services model; council praised interim coroner Tamara Green and said staff will work on scheduling and training for coroner duties.
San Juan County Council voted May 13 to appoint Greg Sawyer as the county coroner effective the same day, formalizing a transition to an internal staffing model for coroner services after state statutory changes.
County Manager Mark Hudson said the state changed the applicable RCW earlier this year (noted in the meeting as a statutory change effective Jan. 1, 2025) that disallowed the prior arrangement in which the prosecuting attorney served as coroner. The county had an interim coroner, Tamara Green, and sought options including an interlocal agreement with another jurisdiction or an in‑house staffing model.
Hudson said staff conducted medical-legal training in March and that Sawyer, the county’s Facilities Director, plus two of his staff completed the course and remain interested in serving. Hudson recommended appointment of Sawyer; Sawyer was not present at the dais but the council moved, seconded and voted to appoint him. The motion carried unanimously.
Council members publicly thanked interim coroner Tamara Green for stepping into the role during a period of transition and noted that the county will work to align coroner duties with facilities staffing schedules and ensure adequate training and backup. Hudson said the prosecuting attorney’s office will continue to provide procedural guidance and support during the transition and that the county will monitor staffing and budget impacts and return to council if adjustments are required.
Formal basis cited in the meeting: appointment discussed pursuant to RCW (transcript reference: RCW 36.16.0.03). The council recorded the appointment and said a budget modification may follow depending on utilization.
