"You two can become one now", Supervisor Bohn quips before decision about Coroner and Sheriff offices being consolidated

The Board had two options after Coroner DaveParris's resignation. One was to appoint someone for remainder of term. The other a consolidation of two County offices. CAO Phillip Smith Hanes explained why the latter option was more beneficial and the pricess the first entailed. Supervisor Fenell said from a budgetary point of view consolidation makes sense.

Before the Sheriff and Coroner spoke to the Board, Supervisor Bohn joked, "You two can become one right now joking they could sit together or speak as one.

Coroner Parris spoke about the proposed change. Said not easy to come and suggest this about an office in existence for 100 years. Mr. Parris said Coroner's office has struggled with funding, except for General Fund. Due to not being a stand alone office, the Coroner's office cannot secure grants. In the past, he said he has sought assistance from Sheriff's office.  Some of Mr. Parris' remarks were the same as his press release earlier this week.

Even before the vote, Supervisor Rex Bohn and Supervisor Estelle Fenell thanked Mr. Parris for his service, compassion and positive feedback from families.

Sheriff Mike Downey said he would be part of this transition and "serve at the will of the Board". With funding and employees, he reiterated that this consolidation would be beneficial to th community. He said if there were concerns about Sheriff's office in certain cases, there are safeguards and assistance of other Counties can be used and has been used in the past.

Supervisor Sundberg thanked them both and thanked Sheriff Downey for "taking on this extra duty with no extra pay." Supervisor Bass said 48 other Counties are operating in such a manner and that this makes sense now based on research and considering all options.

A motion was made by Supervisor Fennell seconded by Supervisor Sundberg to direct staff to develop an ordinance regarding this consolidation and if approved, it would be in effect January 30, 2016. Supervisor Fennell called "it a perfect fit."

The Board vote was unanimous.