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Marion County coroner outlines data modernization, social-worker supports and budget pressure for 2026
Summary
Coroner Alfie McGinty told the council the office has modernized case management, uses opioid settlement funds for family advocates and faces a projected 3% county-general reduction for 2026 while autopsy and forensic-pathologist costs remain uncertain.
Alfie McGinty, Marion County Coroner, told the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee on Aug. 13, 2025, that the office has advanced a data modernization program, added social workers and family advocates funded in part by opioid-settlement dollars, and is preparing for budgetary pressure in 2026.
"We have now become 1 of the leading agencies among corners and medical examiners to do this type of work," McGinty said, referring to a recent case-management modernization carried out in partnership with county information services. He said the upgrades have shortened turnaround time for death certificates and improved data-sharing with state partners.
McGinty told councilors the coroner's overall FY2026 request included a projected reduction of about $228,000, a 3% decrease in the county general fund portion, and that uncontrolled operational accounts would see deeper cuts to offset cost increases in COLA and health insurance. He flagged a $354,000 reduction in some uncontrolled operational budgets and noted that forensic-pathologist (autopsy) services account for a substantial portion of operational costs.
On homicide and overdose trends, McGinty reported two consecutive years of decreases in overdose deaths but warned that child fatality gunshot incidents continue to occur. He said the office is distributing gun locks and storage boxes to help prevent accidental access by children: "We are now working in our community to distribute gun boxes and gun locks so that families have access to those resources to prevent those deaths from occurring."
McGinty also described efforts to recoup pathology fees when decedents are investigated in Marion County but originate from other counties, saying the office is being more diligent about charging other county coroners for autopsies performed in Marion County hospitals. He said increased records-request fees and improved billing for pathology work are expected to raise revenue.
Regarding forensic staffing, McGinty said autopsies are performed by contracted forensic pathologists and that the office uses locum pathologists in part because of a national shortage. "We end up paying a little bit more for locums but we have no choice because of the shortage of forensic pathologists," he said. He warned that if death investigations spike or grant support falls, the office may need to return to the council for additional funding.
Coroner staff asked councilors to note the operational uncertainty tied to grant funding, equipment replacement and vehicle needs; the presentation closed with offers to provide follow-up detail on grant amounts and program continuity.
