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Johnson County approves $30,000 for coroner pathology and autopsy costs after price increases
Summary
The council authorized an additional appropriation to the coroner’s pathology fund after the coroner reported a rise in caseload and higher per-autopsy charges from a private pathology vendor.
The Johnson County Council approved an additional appropriation to the coroner’s pathology fund at its Sept. 8 meeting after county Coroner Michael Pruitt said autopsy caseloads had risen and a pathology contractor increased per-case fees.
Michael Pruitt, Johnson County Coroner, told the council the office has performed 32 autopsies this year compared with 24 last year and that the county is paying for autopsies performed by a private firm that serves multiple counties. Pruitt said the vendor raised its price from about $1,600 to about $2,200 per autopsy.
Council member Ron Bates moved the appropriation. After brief discussion about budgeting and cost pressures, the council approved the item by voice vote.
Pruitt told members the pathology provider is the standard contractor used by surrounding counties and that the county did not have immediate alternative vendors available; the increased costs, combined with a higher caseload, prompted the request.
