To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: John Christofferson, Acting County Attorney
Prepared By:
prepared
John Christofferson, Acting County Attorney
end
Subject:
title
Appointment of Arapahoe County Coroner
end
Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The purpose of this Report is to submit a resolution for the appointment 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, to set the total compensation during this period, and authorize the Chair to execute a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") between the Board of County Commissioners and Dr. Bitting.
end
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 1:59pm on July 1, 2026 (see attached letter). In her letter, Dr. Lear respectfully requests that the Board appoint Dr. Bitting as the Arapahoe County Coroner, which would be effective at 12:01am July 2, 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 has requested a salary of $355,000.00 that will be pro-rated for the unexpired term of office. Historically, the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office performed 820 and 701 postmortem...
Click here for full text