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Coroner reports higher autopsy costs, new coroner building quotes expired; county told to re‑bid
Summary
Fremont County coroner reported autopsy and contractual autopsy costs above budget and said previous vendor quotes for a new coroner building have expired, recommending new bids and a project manager plan later this summer.
The county coroner told commissioners that contractual autopsy costs and some line items are exceeding budget and that all prior quotes for a proposed new coroner building have expired, prompting a recommendation to solicit new estimates.
The coroner reported revenues of roughly $71,001.71 collected so far against anticipated contract autopsy revenue, and said contractual autopsy expenses have exceeded initial budget estimates. The coroner said a number of autopsies (28–29 in the county facility this fiscal year at the time of the presentation) and associated testing are driving costs; the office bills for autopsies only after testing and report completion, which affects the timing of revenue recognition.
On the proposed coroner building, the coroner said quotes and pricing provided in January have expired. The transcript shows the coroner and commissioners agreed to solicit new bids and estimates; staff recommended hiring a project manager and presenting an overall plan, scope and budget to the board in July. The coroner also said supply and equipment prices have risen — citing at least one U.S. supplier that increased prices after learning the county could not source equipment domestically — and that roughly $500,000 has already been spent on the project to date. Funding sources discussed include ARPA and LITC proceeds; the coroner said there is no firm completion date for the project.
Why it matters: The coroner’s office is over budget on autopsies and faces capital procurement uncertainty for a replacement facility; both affect county financial planning and service continuity for forensic work.
County commissioners directed staff to request fresh quotes, to present a full project plan (including contracting for a manager if needed) and to bring back procurement options at a future meeting. The transcript shows the coroner repeatedly asked the board whether to solicit new bids; commissioners agreed to obtain new estimates and to return with a project plan and budget.
