Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
La Porte County coroner reports rising caseload; council approves $58,000 in funding for autopsies and services
Summary
Coroner Lynn Swanson told the council the office has responded to 244 investigative calls in 2025 and completed 40 autopsies plus 21 prison autopsies by midyear, up from last year; the council approved $42,000 for autopsies and $16,000 for professional services (total $58,000), and members urged review of vendor contracts and procurement options.
La Porte County Coroner Lynn Swanson presented year-to-date caseload figures showing a sharp increase in investigative calls and autopsies. "To date, we have responded to 244 investigative calls," Swanson said, adding that overdose, suicide and homicide counts are higher than in 2024. She reported 40 autopsies and 21 prison autopsies in 2025 so far versus 29 autopsies and 9 prison autopsies at the same point in 2024.
Swanson requested two additional appropriations: $42,000 for autopsy costs to cover expenses through the end of the year and $16,000 for professional services to compensate deputy coroners and transport costs. Council members expressed concern about the recurring nature of the expense and asked whether there is a formal contract with the pathologist and whether competitive proposals or RFPs had been pursued. Swanson said to her knowledge there is no formal contract and that the county has contracted with a pathologist who serves multiple nearby counties.
After discussion about procurement and the size of the expense, the council approved $58,000 total from riverboat funds to cover autopsies and professional services, and several members asked county staff to explore whether a formal contract, competitive bidding, or other cost-savings measures are possible going forward.
