New deputy coroner position approved in Henry County

The Henry County Board of Commissioners voted at its Jan. 8 regular meeting to approve the addition of a deputy county coroner position.

The caseload for the coroner’s office has increased to more than 400 calls per year, according to a report issued by coroner Donald Cleveland. State law allows him to appoint one deputy coroner to serve at his pleasure, while any other deputy coroner must be approved by the commissioners.

The newest position is part-time, paid per call with no benefits. Cleveland reported that adjoining counties have 3-5 deputy coroners even without the call volume Henry County has.