Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Medical Examiner topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Medical examiner requests part‑time deputy, notes statute limiting fee increases
Summary
Adams County medical examiner requested a part‑time deputy and a secondary vehicle, noted a transition to digital files, and told the committee that state statute 59.365 constrains fee increases for the office.
The Adams County medical examiner presented her proposed budget changes and asked the committee to consider a part‑time deputy medical examiner and a modest capital purchase for a secondary vehicle.
Staffing and operations: Bethany, the county medical examiner, said her office faces staffing strain after a deputy announced an undetermined leave and other deputies balance full-time jobs outside the office. She requested a half‑time deputy position to provide sustainable coverage and reduce overload on existing staff.
Equipment and digital transition: Bethany asked to purchase a basic mortuary removal cot and related cover for a secondary vehicle that would be used for out-of-county removals and mass-casualty responses. She reported the office is transitioning from paper to digital files and has added cell phones and tablets to support that move.
Fee schedule statutory constraint: Bethany told the committee that state statute 59.365 prevents the office from unilaterally raising certain fees. She said she plans to bring a recommendation for a fee schedule that would allow future annual increases tied to CPI but that legal constraints mean some fee proposals will require additional review.
Budget context and next steps: County staff confirmed Bethany’s requested part‑time position is included in the current proposed budget subject to further review. The committee voiced support and asked staff to coordinate final budget language with the county administrator and finance office.
