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Executive committee approves $38,077 salary for Ashland County medical examiner
Summary
With the coroner position replaced by an appointed medical examiner, the executive committee approved a 2027 wage of $38,077 after testimony that fees for cremations and death certificates should largely offset the cost.
The Ashland County Executive Committee voted to set the 2027 salary for the newly appointed medical examiner at $38,077, replacing the elected coroner structure. The change follows the county’s abolition of the coroner office and a decision to appoint a medical examiner rather than elect a coroner.
Pam (current coroner and prospective medical examiner) described the demands of the role, noting examples of cases that can require many hours: "On one case… it was about 60 hours of work," she said, outlining on-site work, notifications and paperwork. County staff and supervisors said fee revenue from cremation and death-certificate signing should offset much of the salary cost.
The committee approved the salary by roll-call vote. Voting recorded in the transcript: Gary Mertig — Yes; Pat Kinney — Yes; Clarence Campbell — Yes; Bill Metzinger — No; Sean Setterholm — No. Committee members agreed to revisit the position’s finances next year after actual fee receipts are known and to monitor workload and compensation as needed.
Ending: The wage was approved and will be included in the 2027 budget; staff will report actual fee revenue and revisit compensation if fees do not cover projected costs.
