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Committee backs coroner add‑on; staff to piggyback Albany RFP with Ellis Hospital to reduce costs
Summary
A coroner office add‑on was advanced to the full board after staff said piggybacking an Albany County RFP to contract with Ellis Hospital could cut costs, improve storage and add telemedicine access; a deputy position was proposed to ensure coverage.
Committee members approved an add‑on resolution to include coroner funding in the 2026 operating budget and moved the item to the full legislature. A county representative said the coroner could not attend but asked that the committee consider a plan to piggyback an Albany County RFP to contract with Ellis Hospital for coroner services and transport.
Staff said piggybacking the Albany RFP could produce cost savings and that Ellis Hospital offers free body storage for about 30 days (after which a $100 fee applies) and on‑call medical‑examiner services that can include digital imagery exchange for scene consultation. The coroner’s office also intends to issue and reissue a transport RFP, and staff indicated they would likely request an updated resolution on transport costs in March.
Committee members and staff discussed the potential appointment of a deputy coroner to ensure coverage across the county and noted the change is intended to improve operations, reliability and interagency coordination.
No formal procurement award was finalized at the meeting; the committee advanced the budget amendment to the full board for final action.
