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Vernon County coroner reports higher investigative costs; explains green-burial process
Summary
The county coroner presented May statistics showing 19 deaths (all coroner cases), rising investigative costs tied to autopsies and toxicology, and clarified the county’s green-burial ordinance and when the coroner must view remains.
The Vernon County coroner delivered the May report to the Board of Health, saying the county recorded 19 deaths in May — 11 male and 8 female — and that investigative costs are up compared with prior periods.
The coroner said the month included 19 coroner cases, 18 natural deaths and one accidental death. She explained that investigative costs have risen because some deaths required autopsies or toxicology testing when circumstances or possible drug involvement made it necessary to determine cause for expert testimony. On autopsy costs she explained: “1,500 is the autopsy and $4.50 was just for a funeral home to drive that body to [the autopsy].” The coroner noted that funeral-home and transport charges vary by provider and county practices.
The coroner clarified the county’s green-burial process: for green burials the burial site must be surveyed by the county surveyor and recorded on the property title. The coroner said she signs death certificates for hospice deaths and does not necessarily need to view the body in hospice cases; however, she said she must view remains for cremations and in certain home deaths where hospice is not involved: “If they died at home, I go out. Any home death, I go . . . unless if they're in hospice, the hospice nurse pronounces them.” She added that child deaths or accidental deaths prompt joint visits with law enforcement.
The coroner said some deaths among Amish residents have been handled with sensitivity to religious concerns; she said autopsies are performed only as a last resort and that the office has contracted for total-body X-rays and medical-record reviews in some cases to check for abuse while respecting religious objections.
No board action was taken on the coroner’s report; the presentation was informational. Board members asked follow-up questions about green burial procedures and when the coroner must be present for death pronouncements.
The report included operational figures (19 deaths; 7 cremations; 12 burials; income for the month $2,031; monthly bills about $5,070.83) and an explanation that distinguishing natural causes from accidental or homicide can change investigative steps and costs.
