Pike County fiscal court raises coroner pay to $70,000 after debate

The Pike County fiscal court voted to set the county coroner’s salary at $70,000 on March 16, following extended debate about the office’s duties and comparable pay in neighboring counties.

County staff and commissioners described the current coroner pay as low (figures cited in discussion ranged around $31,000–$34,000) and noted the office’s responsibilities — including 24/7 availability, transporting bodies for autopsy and exposure to communicable disease. Commissioners proposed a range of increases: one motion sought $65,000 and another $75,000. A compromise motion to set the salary at $70,000 was moved, seconded and approved by unanimous roll call.

Supporters said the rise recognizes the job’s demands and the county’s local circumstances, pointing to the regional hospital workload and additional travel and case responsibilities that smaller counties may not face. Opponents did not object to increasing pay, but some members emphasized fiscal limits and comparability with other counties.

The court’s action sets the incoming coroner’s pay at $70,000; implementation details (effective date, whether retroactive or tied to the next elected term) were discussed in general terms during the meeting and should be confirmed in the minutes and payroll records.