To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: John Christofferson, Acting County Attorney
Prepared By:
prepared
John Christofferson, Acting County Attorney
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presenter
Presenter: Dr. Casey Bitting, Forensic Pathologist, Arapahoe County Coroner's Office
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Subject:
title
2:00 PM *Arapahoe County Coroner Compensation - Appointed Term
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The purpose of this Report is to discuss the consideration of Dr. Casey Bitting, Forensic Pathologist, Arapahoe County Coroner's Office to fill the unexpired term of office of the Arapahoe County Coroner ending January 12, 2027, and discuss the total compensation for the unexpired term pursuant to a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") between the Board of County Commissioners and Dr. Bitting.
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Alignment with Strategic Plan: Good Governance - Deliver mandated and essential services with excellence.
Background and Discussion: Pursuant to Section 30-11-117 of the Colorado Revised Statutes and Section 9 of Article XIV of the Colorado Constitution, in the case of a vacancy in the Office of the Coroner, the Board of County Commissioners has the power to fill the vacancy by appointment until the next general election.
On May 27, 2026, Dr. Kelly Lear formally submitted her retirement and resignation from the office of Arapahoe County Coroner effective at 1:59 p.m. on July 1, 2026 (see attached letter). In her letter, Dr. Lear respectfully requests that the Board appoint Dr. Casey Bitting as the Arapahoe County Coroner effective at 3:00 p.m. July 1, 2026. For your convenience, Dr. Bitting's curriculum vitae and testimony history are attached.
Additionally, because Dr. Bitting is qualified to and has committed to performing post-mortem examinations, it is lawful and appropriate for the Board of County Commissioners to compensate her above the statutory amount of $131,701.00. Dr. Bitting will be requesting an annual salary that will be pro-rated for the unexpired term...
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