Informal Opinion No.

Allen C. Miller, Jr., Esq. Assistant County Attorney, Columbia

You have asked whether Columbia County, a non-charter county, may by local law extend the term of office of coroner from three to four years. Also, you ask whether the mandatory referendum required in relation to such local law may be submitted at the general election in which the first four year coroner may be elected or, alternatively, at a special election to be held on the preceding primary day.

Under section 400 of the County Law, coroners are to be elected for three year terms (§ 400[1]). Counties are authorized, however, to…