Winnebago County leaders will at least look into dropping the coroner’s office, and hiring a medical examiner instead.
The debate is coming after the resignation of embattled Coroner Barry Busby. He’s stepping down at the end of October.
In Winnebago County, the coroner is an elected position. County Executive Mark Harris says candidates don’t have to meet any specific requirements, except being able to run for office.
A medical examiner could be hired and fired by county officials. Harris says there wouldn’t necessarily be any specific job requirements either, but candidates would be competing for the job, and credentials would be helpful.
The county board’s judiciary and public safety committee will take up the proposal next Monday.
