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Medical Examiner reduces vacancies but CT‑scanner CIP delayed; off‑site refrigeration and generator plans remain
Summary
The Department of the Medical Examiner reported vacancy reductions from seven to two and requested three new positions for reorganization, but its planned CT scanner capital project was postponed because of DDC capacity constraints. The department continues to pay for off‑site refrigeration storage and expects a generator CIP in a later year.
The Medical Examiner briefed the Committee on Budget on staffing and capital needs, reporting improved recruitment but a postponed imaging project.
Dr. Masashiko Kobayashi said the department reduced vacancies from seven to two and has hired a new deputy chief. The Medical Examiner proposed three additional positions — an executive assistant to support management functions, an office assistant to handle high volumes of public contacts, and a Medical‑Legal Investigator 4 to supervise field investigators — as part of a reorganization to improve operations.
The department told the Council that a planned CT‑scanner project — intended to reduce the number of autopsies and improve diagnostic capability — has been postponed because the Department of Design and Construction lacks capacity to deliver the CIP this fiscal year. The M.E. said it will resubmit the request in a future CIP cycle.
Kobayashi reported cost‑saving on toxicology testing because the department is using a Department of Health grant for some services, but also noted rising costs for security guard contracts. The department currently stores bodies off‑site; that contract costs roughly $11,000 per month. A generator project and refrigerated storage integration are planned for a later CIP year.
Councilmembers asked about vandalism risks and the status of the refrigeration and generator work; Kobayashi said security improvements have reduced incidents and that the generator CIP is expected in FY‑27. No formal decisions were made; Councilmembers requested follow‑up details on timing and costs for postponed projects and staffing reorganization.
