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Spokane County coroner seeks renewal of interlocal autopsy agreements; adds Whitman and Grant as backups
Summary
The county coroner asked commissioners to renew two-year interlocal agreements with surrounding counties for coroner services and add Whitman and Grant counties as backup providers for travel pathologist absences.
Spokane County coroner (Dr. Zing in the transcript) asked the Board of County Commissioners to approve renewals of multiple two-year interlocal agreements under which the county provides coroner/autopsy services to neighboring counties.
The coroner told commissioners the agreements largely replicate existing terms with one substantive change: Whitman County and Grant County would be added to the county’s backup arrangement. Those counties use a traveling forensic pathologist for routine autopsies; the county would provide a backup if that pathologist is unavailable, the coroner said.
Why it matters: the interlocal agreements ensure continuity of forensic services regionally and clarify fees for operations, staffing and equipment replacement. The coroner told the board the county reviews its fee schedule annually and amortizes capital items — for example, replacement of saws and CT/X-ray maintenance — into the agreement rates.
Board response: commissioners asked whether outside counties would cover full costs; the coroner said the county annually reviews the fee schedule to ensure costs are covered and that agreements are structured so external partners pay for services provided.
Ending: Commissioners received the briefing; the transcript records no formal vote on the renewals.
