The coroner asked the board to add an autopsy assistant, arguing the office needs specialized staff to prepare tissue samples, handle histology and manage evidence and disposals. The coroner said the county’s morgue accumulated years of samples that need disposition and that an assistant would reduce strain on current staff and build capacity to recruit a pathologist in the future.

Board members raised several points: (1) an autopsy assistant is useful only if a pathologist is available to perform examinations; (2) an autopsy assistant could perform preparatory work and evidence processing even before a local pathologist is hired; and (3) contract pathologist services and per‑case facility/transport fees are substantial. At the meeting staff cited typical pathologist fees of $1,250 and said the county currently pays an average about $1,950 for outsourced autopsies once facility fees, histology and transportation are included. The coroner said the position would reduce some recurring outsourcing costs and help with backlog management.

Several board members urged a short timeline for a formal funding plan: options discussed included (a) a one‑time contractual appropriation (possibly from PSST or ARPA set‑asides) to cover immediate disposal/cleanup work; (b) a half‑year or phased start for a new position; or (c) moving funds from existing overtime or temporary lines. Budget staff agreed to work with the coroner to produce a concrete proposal identifying line‑level transfers or one‑time sources that would not increase the general‑fund deficit.

Why it matters: Establishing local autopsy capacity can reduce per‑case outsourcing costs and preserve evidence handling locally; however, creating a full program (pathologist + assistant + facility readiness) carries recurring costs and physical‑space upgrades.

Next steps: Budget staff will work with the coroner to produce a short funding plan within the week that identifies potential line transfers, temporary contractual funding for backlog work, or phased hiring that would limit immediate general‑fund impact.