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Newton County moves indigent burial line to coroner's office; board discusses increasing county share
Summary
The board transferred an indigent-burial budget line (~$7,800) from the clerk's budget to the coroner's office and discussed raising the county contribution (statute allows up to $1,000 but historical county practice has been $300).
The Newton County Board of Commissioners approved a budget transfer on Jan. 6 to move indigent/pauper burial funds (about $7,800) from the Board of Commissioners' budget line in the clerk's office to the coroner's office.
Coroner staff explained that under state statute the county may provide up to $1,000 for an indigent burial, but the county historically paid $300 per case; staff proposed maintaining discretion within a budget line and suggested a cap up to $1,000 if the board wished. The coroner's office recommended placing the line item under the coroner's budget to improve administration.
Commissioners discussed the trade-off between giving a larger per-case amount and serving more families. Commissioner Long suggested limiting per-case assistance to a smaller amount (e.g., $400–$500) so the county can serve more families; legal counsel reminded the board that the statute requires funding when eligibility is met, even if the line is exhausted. The board voted to transfer the budget line to the coroner's office and directed staff to follow statutory requirements in administering payments.
The board asked county staff to return with additional details on fund administration and any policy recommendations for per-case limits or eligibility criteria.
