Judge, coroner get short‑term funding as interpreter and autopsy costs rise

The Vermillion County council approved several judiciary- and coroner-related budget adjustments aimed at covering immediate and statutory costs.

Circuit Court Judge Chris Reed told council members that interpreter costs have increased with a higher number of Spanish‑speaking defendants. Reed said remote Zoom interpretation for preliminary hearings typically costs about $300; in‑court certified interpreters for trials or evidentiary hearings can cost substantially more. The court approved a $3,000 transfer (from postage and dues/subscriptions) into the interpreter line item to cover current bills and allow the court to meet statutory hearing requirements.

Judge Reed also warned that psychological evaluations and certain competency hearings carry additional statutory costs; the court may return with more requests if next‑year budgeted amounts are insufficient.

The coroner requested $7,500 to cover autopsy expenses after reporting a busy year: the coroner said there had been 52 deaths reported so far this year with 14 autopsies completed and that late invoices from the regional hospital left the autopsy line short. The council approved the $7,500 additional appropriation by voice vote to cover pathology and hospital suite fees.

Both measures passed by voice vote. Council members noted that unused funds will revert at year end and that some requests reflect statutory obligations or late billing from vendors.