Pipestone County board votes to make coroner an appointed position

Pipestone County commissioners voted April 14 to change the County Coroner from an elected to an appointed position, adopting Resolution 59-19-26 under the authority of Minnesota Statute 390.005 subdivision 2.

County Administrator Steve Ewing presented the resolution and told the board state statute authorizes the change. The current coroner, Dr. Larry Christensen, submitted a letter stating he would be willing and honored to continue serving if the county implements an appointed coroner system. On a motion by Commissioner Dallas Roskamp, seconded by Commissioner Dan Wildermuth, the board adopted the resolution unanimously with Commissioner Hollingsworth absent.

The resolution requires the appointment of a qualified person at least 30 days before the end of the incumbent’s term on December 31, 2026. The board did not record a specific appointment at the April 14 meeting; procedures for appointment timing and candidate selection will follow the statutory timeline.