By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
Kentucky coroner pay is too low, according to Barren County State Representative Steve Riley.
“I think anybody that knows anything about that job knows how difficult it is, and its pay has always been extremely low,” Riley said during a Feb. 20 WCLU interview. “I think coroners, because of what they deal with and go through, should get more pay. Hopefully we can get something done [about that.]”
Riley is cosponsoring a Kentucky House Bill that would remedy the salary deficiency. House Bill 138 aims to staple coroner pay to the county’s population. For example, Barren County’s 2020 population of roughly 44,500 would raise the coroner’s salary from its current $37,000 to $53,001, with three addition salary “steps” that would be automatically applied as the coroner’s four-year term progresses, according to the Legislative Research Commission.
Barren County Coroner Tim Gibson voiced his support for the legislation, calling it a good and fair bill.
As of Jan. 14, House Bill 138 in in the local government committee.
Key Facts
– Barren County Rep. Steve Riley says Kentucky coroners are underpaid
– Riley is cosponsoring House Bill 138 to raise coroner salaries
– Bill would tie pay to county population with step increases over a four-year term
– Barren County coroner salary could rise from $37,000 to $53,001
– Coroner Tim Gibson supports the proposal as good and fair
– House Bill 138 is currently in the House Local Government Committee
