Pipestone County board approves resolution to make coroner an appointed position

The Pipestone County Board voted to begin converting the county coroner from an elected to an appointed position after receiving notice the current coroner does not plan to run for reelection.

At the meeting, staff (speaker 3) told the board, “Doctor Richardson has informed me that he does not intend to seek reelection for the position of county coroner. However, he is willing to serve as the appointed county coroner.” The resolution presented (listed in the packet as Resolution 59-18-26) is the first formal step to require an appointment rather than election in future cycles.

Board members discussed how other counties handle coroner duties. Staff noted that counties commonly contract with regional medical examiner offices such as Saint Paul Ramsey or a Midwest medical examiner for autopsies and specialist services, and that an appointed coroner could name deputy coroners or rely on physicians at local hospitals when needed. Speaker 3 said autopsy costs have appeared in board packets before, typically between $1,314 and $1,600 per case.

Commissioner discussion emphasized service continuity and the qualifications required for the office; speaker 6 observed the coroner must be a physician and that appointing does not remove lawful oversight. The board approved the resolution by voice vote.

The measure is procedural: it changes how a future vacancy or term will be filled and removes the office from the ballot once the transition is complete. The board did not name an appointee at the meeting; staff will follow the statutorily prescribed transition steps before the change takes effect.