Clallam County appoints district judges to perform coroner duties while legal path to charter change is developed

With a state law change taking effect in early January, the Clallam County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 31 approved interim arrangements to ensure the coroner’s duties continue uninterrupted.

The board voted to appoint District Court Judge David Hooper to perform coroner duties and approved a memorandum of understanding with District Court Judge David Newport that spells out roles and provides indemnification while the county pursues a longer-term charter amendment. The board acknowledged the law requires additional compensation for the judge’s role, and commissioners said they would set that amount in a follow-up action.

Why it matters: A recent state opinion and related statutory changes created uncertainty about how coroner duties should be carried out in charter counties. The board’s interim step is intended to maintain continuity of service while allowing for a formal public process to consider whether the coroner should be an elected or appointed post under the county charter.

What the board said: Outside counsel presented three options: appoint a district court judge to act as coroner, appoint an interim nonjudge coroner as other counties have done, or seek a declaratory judgment. Counsel recommended appointing a district court judge; two judges approached by staff indicated willingness to serve on an interim basis. Commissioners said they would prepare a packet for the Charter Review Commission and return to the board to set required additional compensation (the law specifies not less than $15,900 as a floor).

Voices from the meeting: “We have a couple of people working in the coroner’s office who are very talented,” staff told the board, noting these employees would be deputized so they could continue carrying out work. Commissioner comments emphasized the need to present background material to the Charter Review Commission so voters can decide on any charter amendment.

Next steps: The board will finalize compensation for the interim judge role and prepare materials for the Charter Review Commission to consider a permanent charter amendment. Deputization and indemnification measures for coroner staff will be implemented immediately so daily operations can continue.

The motions carried unanimously.