Clallam County prepares temporary coroner appointment after coroner’s resignation

Clallam County staff told the commissioners on Dec. 30 that the county coroner has resigned effective midnight Dec. 31, leaving the office vacant and requiring an immediate temporary solution.

County staff described three legal options: appoint a district court judge under RCW 36.24.160; appoint a non‑judge individual; or pursue a declaratory judgment in court. Staff said the clearest statutory pathway is appointing a district court judge on a temporary basis while the county considers charter revisions. "The clear statutory pathway remains appointment of a district court judge under RCW 36.24.160," a county official said.

Staff indicated a District Court judge in District 1 was prepared to serve as coroner on a temporary basis and said administrative steps would follow if the board adopts a resolution. Commissioners asked staff to submit the matter to the Charter Review Commission for consideration and to preserve options for a future charter amendment; staff said the board can also submit charter amendments directly to voters if needed.

The board did not take a vote at the work session; staff said the resolution to make a temporary appointment will be on the Jan. 7 regular meeting agenda for formal action. The county also noted two credentialed coroner‑office staff remain on duty and are monitoring the situation.

What's next: The board indicated it will act on a resolution at the Jan. 7 regular meeting to authorize a temporary appointment and will seek Charter Review Commission input on longer‑term changes.