Lapeer County approves medical examiner contract with Oakland County amid cost concerns; ad hoc committee formed

Lapeer County commissioners approved a renewed contract with Oakland County to provide regional medical examiner services, citing prior problems with a previous provider and limited alternatives in Michigan, and appointed an ad hoc committee to review contract terms and options.

The move followed a lengthy presentation by the sheriff, who outlined the county’s history of outsourcing autopsy and death-investigation work, noted service problems under Saginaw-area providers, and described Oakland County as the most reliable regional partner. "Oakland has been a godsend for Lapeer County," the sheriff said, describing delays in death certificates and testimony that occurred under the previous vendor and saying Oakland provides prompt reports and courtroom support.

The sheriff told commissioners the contract includes a roughly $300 increase per autopsy compared with the current billing structure; when combined with an administrative fee, that increase is effectively about $330 per autopsy. Commissioners and staff discussed historical amounts and the budget impact: the sheriff said a prior contract year with Saginaw showed roughly $96,000 in charges, the first year with Oakland was about $148,000 and the projected 2025 total is near $211,000.

Why it mattered: Commissioners pressed for clarity on costs and alternatives. Several members said they were uncomfortable receiving updated figures on short notice and asked for a process to review multi-year options and vendor comparisons before future renewals. Commissioner Kemp proposed creating a small ad hoc committee to analyze the contract and alternatives; the board named Commissioners Kemp, Wise and Zender to that committee.

County administration said the contract contains a 60-day termination clause, which gives the board time to pursue further review or an RFP if it chooses. The board proceeded with a motion to renew the contract while empowering the ad hoc panel to examine longer-term options and cost-containment measures.

What was decided: The board approved the contract renewal with Oakland County and established a three-member ad hoc committee to examine options, budgeting, and potential procurement approaches. The motion passed by voice vote; commissioners also directed staff and the committee to seek more detailed cost breakdowns, explore a possible multiyear term, and to request Oakland County presentations before future renewals.

Context and next steps: Several commissioners and staff emphasized the county’s limited local capacity to perform forensic autopsies in-house — an issue tied to facility conditions and a scarcity of forensic pathologists statewide. Staff and the sheriff said in-house provision would require major capital investment and recruitment of highly specialized personnel. The ad hoc committee is charged with presenting recommendations to the full board and will be the primary contact for Oakland County or other vendors during follow-up negotiations.

Commissioners said they expect the ad hoc committee to report back with comparisons, potential RFP language or contract amendments before the next annual renewal window.

Ending: The board’s action keeps Lapeer County on a provider that staff and the prosecutor described as reliable, while creating a short-term oversight mechanism intended to improve transparency on cost and service delivery going forward.