Charter panel votes to remove coroner duty from charter, schedules May 27 final vote

The Clallam County Charter Review Commission on May 6 approved a final draft of a charter amendment that would remove language assigning coroner duties in the charter and turn responsibility to the Board of County Commissioners, and set the required public hearing and final roll-call vote for May 27.

The amendment deletes the sentence that read, “The prosecuting attorney will serve as ex officio coroner without extra compensation,” replacing the explicit charter assignment with language that allows the commissioners to determine staffing and appointment through county processes.

Commissioner Jeffrey Benedict argued the change is a narrow fix that resolves a statutory conflict and gives the county authority to create an appropriate coroner role. "This is a simple, easy fix that solves a problem," Benedict said during the discussion. Commissioner Stafford said removing the provision and leaving appointment to the commissioners will let the county act promptly to fill a coroner role if needed.

Opponents urged caution about leaving ambiguity and suggested a clearer appointment clause might avoid judicial review. Commissioner Lehi raised concerns that simply removing the language could leave questions about whether judicial review would be needed. Commissioner Zane said the county already has qualified staff who could fill the duties as required by state law.

Following debate, the commission voted to approve the final draft and to give public notice; the hearing and roll-call final vote were scheduled for May 27. The meeting packet and the chair's announcement specified that notice must be posted after approval and at least three days before the meeting at which the commission will vote.

The commission also read and agreed to the public-notice language on next steps; commissioners asked the coroner committee to work with staff on the notice and to accept public comment through May 27.

No ordinance or statutory change was enacted tonight: the commission's action was approval of a proposed charter amendment for public notice and a future vote.

The commission's roll call on the procedural matters was recorded and the chair directed staff to publish the required notice and include the item on the May 27 agenda.

The amendment moves to the commission's Step 3 (public notice) and Step 4 (final vote) steps required by the commission's bylaws and the panel's charter-review process. If the panel approves the amendment at the May 27 meeting, the proposed charter change will be placed on the ballot or otherwise advanced in accordance with the commission's procedures and state law.

The commission did not adopt the amendment as county law tonight; it approved submission of the amendment for public notice and a future roll-call vote.

The commission chair also said public comment may be submitted in writing and in person at the May 27 meeting.