Madison County Coroner Adam Matson wins race for full-term position

Adam Matson will continue to serve as the coroner for Madison County, this time as an elected official rather than an appointed one.  IPR’s Thomas Ouellette reports on how Matson plans to improve the current state of the County Coroner’s office.

Matson is also fire chief in Alexandria. (City of Alexandria website)

Matson says the biggest issue facing the Madison County Coroner’s office is budget shortfalls and staff scheduling difficulties.

He says during his new term he will prioritize staying within the proposed budget for 2025, as well as streamlining day-to-day operations at the office by creating full-time positions.

“I’d like see my staff or the staffing be able to go to full-time. Currently all my deputies are part-time. I’d like to work towards getting some full-time employees. That, I just think, would better complete the office and operate smoother.”

Matson adds with full-time staff, he would be able overcome coordination issues by creating a more set schedule.  Most of his office currently works from home.

Matson has been doing the job as acting coroner, after he was caucused into the position last year following the resignation of previous coroner Dr. Troy Abbott. 

During Dr. Abbott’s tenure, the coroner’s office dealt with overcrowding and faced several workplace health and safety violations that resulted in more than $20,000 in Occupational Safety and Health Administration fines.

He has previous experience working as a licensed paramedic for 20 years and serving as deputy coroner since 2016.

Thomas Ouellette is our reporter and producer.  Contact him at thomas.ouellette@bsu.edu