County approves additional appropriation after Vanderburgh morgue triples facility fees

Warrick County Coroner Alyssa Enright told the commissioners her office needs an additional appropriation for the morgue-fee line after Vanderburgh County tripled its facility-use charge without notice.

Enright said the county had budgeted $100 per decedent for facility fees but Vanderburgh now charges $300 plus a $50 per‑day per‑diem for use of its morgue. She said she has negotiated to limit some fees and only sends decedents who require autopsy, but that several recent fatalities this month have increased expense pressure. Enright also said she was no longer accepting unclaimed decedents that previously added to volume.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about whether the fee was $300 or $400; Enright clarified the facility fee is $300 plus the $50 per‑day charge. She also explained the facility-use fee is distinct from the autopsy fee, which is a separate line and higher.

A motion to approve the appropriation was made and carried unanimously. Enright said the $4,000 she requested was the figure she had previously asked for and that she might return later in the year if additional funds are needed.