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Fremont County coroner reports steady revenue, notes budget pressure; county to plan morgue renovation
Summary
The county coroner reported autopsy volumes and revenue near projections but highlighted line-item budget pressure for pathologist fees and overtime; staff outlined a proposed building plan for a new mortuary facility and identified equipment costs and recent water-line damage in the building under review.
The Fremont County coroner told commissioners the office's caseload and revenue are on track to meet projections but that certain budget lines are strained. The coroner reported 28 case numbers for the reporting period (about the same as last year), 25 autopsies for the current fiscal year (20 in 2024 and five so far in 2025), and 32 autopsies performed for contractual counties. The county has collected $56,721 in revenue and submitted an additional $9,625 in billings, for a recorded total of $66,003.46; the office's projected revenue for the fiscal year is $69,300.
Staff said costs for pathologist services and related autopsy expenses (histology, toxicology, X-ray) vary substantially. The coroner noted that toxicology is sent to an external lab (NMS Labs) and histology slides are processed offsite (Teton Pathology), and turnaround can range from two weeks locally to several months at larger facilities with heavier caseloads.
On facilities, the coroner and county staff reported they have drafted basic layout plans for a permanent mortuary facility and submitted requirements to building maintenance and the commissioners. The proposal calls for two autopsy stations (the office's estimate: about $30,000 per autopsy station from a U.S. supplier) plus family and workspace furnishings. Staff also reported a recent frozen water line and related heating/gas issues in the building being prepared for county use; the county is arranging meetings with the building's previous owner and maintenance/IT staff to address systems, keys and required repairs. No construction funds have been approved; staff said they will return with a full project plan and cost estimate before seeking funding approval.
Commissioners asked staff to compile a project scope and cost estimate and to identify available funding sources; staff said they will produce a project plan and request commission approval before proceeding with purchases or contractor work.
