The Board of County Commissioners voted 3-0 Aug. 4 to approve a requested step increase for two on-call deputy coroners after HR and the coroner presented training and certification work the employees had completed beyond their original job entry requirements.

Why it matters: The coroner explained the office has new state accreditation and certification expectations that did not exist when the two staff members were hired. Commissioners and HR said the pair had acquired additional training — including week-long state certifications — and regularly respond to after-hours calls.

What the board approved and next steps: The approved motion moved both employees one step on the county pay scale. Human Resources told the board that the department will now prepare revised job descriptions and submit a request to the HR classification committee to examine whether the on-call positions should be reclassified to a higher pay grade given the accreditation and scope changes. Commissioners asked staff to return during budget review with any reclassification cost implications.

Ending: Commissioners expressed appreciation for the coroner's office and the two deputies and indicated support for reclassification work as part of the next budget cycle.