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Champaign County tables $80,557 coroner overtime request; coroner says staff will be paid
Summary
The board tabled a coroner overtime budget amendment (BUA 2025-10-186) totaling $80,557.35 until February so payroll can be closed and exact overtime calculated. Coroner Laurie Brower confirmed the office is fully staffed and employees will be paid despite a negative payroll line.
The Champaign County Committee of the Whole voted to table a budget amendment for the coroner's office (BUA 2025-10-186) that would increase appropriations by $80,557.35 to cover anticipated overtime costs. Finance Chair Hannah Ravenen moved to table the request until the February meeting so departments can finalize year-end payroll figures; the motion was seconded by Mister Thorsland and carried on a voice vote.
During the meeting the coroner, identified by the chair as Laurie Brower, came forward for questions. Chair Lock asked whether the coroner was fully staffed; Brower answered, "Yes," and the chair reassured her, "You did nothing wrong. Thank you for putting this in." County staff explained tabling the appropriation does not delay employee pay—payroll will proceed on schedule even if the budget line appears negative until year-end reconciliations are complete.
Chair Ravenen said the finance committee asked departments to hold personnel-related budget amendment submissions until payroll is closed to ensure accurate numbers. The board asked Brower to remain after the meeting for further updates and said the coroner may bring a revised request that includes any proposed hires such as a pathologist or autopsy technician if needed.
Next steps: the coroner appropriation will be revisited at the February meeting after payroll figures are finalized; any new hire requests will come as separate budget amendment requests.
