Coroner asks court to consider purchase of powered stretcher; estimated cost about $21,040

Ohio County Coroner’s Office requested the fiscal court’s consideration of a powered stretcher estimated at roughly $21,040 to improve safety and enable a one‑person lift operation in some responses; the court discussed possible grant help but did not approve immediate funding.

Coroner Dugan (request conveyed by a representative to the court) told magistrates the current equipment is becoming a safety issue: some stretchers do not support larger weights and they often rely on fire or EMS personnel to assist. The coroner’s representative said the preferred new unit would permit a single operator to raise, lower and maneuver the stretcher with a one-button operation and that refurbished units were being evaluated but might have limited availability and uncertain longevity.

Why it matters: The coroner’s office said older equipment poses a safety risk to staff and the families they serve; the purchase would address operational and safety concerns and has a modest but not-insignificant cost for a small county agency.

Details discussed: - Cost estimate discussed in the meeting: approximately $21,040 (after correcting a vendor quote that originally included two stretchers). - Warranty comments: parts and labor generally 1 year; selected components may have longer coverage. - Grants: county staff said they had searched for grant options and had not found an available program that would cover this specific need; court members asked staff to continue seeking funding alternatives.

No appropriation was approved at this meeting. The coroner’s request was recorded and staff said they would continue to search for funding or sponsors and bring more information back to the court.