STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Barren County Coroner Tim Gibson is backing a Kentucky House proposal that would significantly raise pay for coroners across the state, including here at home.
House Bill 138 would restructure coroner salaries by tying them to county population. For Barren County, using the 2020 U.S. Census population of nearly 44,500, the measure would set a minimum coroner salary of at least $53,001 with three other salary “steps” that a coroner will be given automatically after the first of each year.
Gibson told Glasgow News 1 that his current salary as Barren County coroner is roughly $37,000.
He said he believes the proposed changes would be a step toward fairer compensation for the work coroners perform.
“It’s a good bill,” Gibson said. “A fair bill. The coroner are not asking for the same pay as the other countywide elected officials, like the judge-executive, sheriff, jailer, or county clerk. We’re only asking for half.”
The bill was filed in the Kentucky House of Representatives on Jan. 7 and includes support from Barren County Rep. Steve Riley, who is listed among the many cosponsors.
House Bill 138 was introduced to the House Committee on Local Government on Jan. 14, according to the Legislative Research Commission. If lawmakers approve the bill and it is signed into law, the salary increases would take effect on Jan. 4, 2027. That timeline means the pay changes would come after the 2026 elections, affecting the next term of office rather than those now serving.
Gibson is seeking reelection as the Barren County Coroner.
Eighty-nine Kentucky coroners are making $30,000 or less, 68 are making $20,000 or less, and five are making more than the bill proposes, according to information provided by Gibson. House Bill 138 would not decrease current coroner salaries.
Key Facts
– Barren County Coroner Tim Gibson supports Kentucky House Bill 138 to raise coroner pay statewide based on population.
– For Barren County, the bill would set a minimum coroner salary of at least $53,001, up from the current $37,000.
– Barren County Rep. Steve Riley is a cosponsor of the bill.
– Salary changes would take effect Jan. 4, 2027, if the bill passes.
– The bill was introduced to the House Committee on Local Government on Jan. 14.
Lawmakers in Frankfort will decide whether House Bill 138 moves forward out of the House Committee on Local Government and onto the full House for consideration. If it advances, the measure would still require approval by both legislative chambers and the governor’s signature before the new salary structure could take effect on Jan. 4, 2027.
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