Hardee County approves $500,000 pledge toward Polk County medical examiner expansion

Polk County deputy county manager John Bodie told Hardee County commissioners that Polk County plans to expand and renovate its medical examiner's facility to meet growing workload and infrastructure needs for the 10th Judicial Circuit (Polk, Highlands and Hardee counties). Bodie said the existing facility (about 12,500 square feet) requires an addition of roughly 12,000 square feet and an integrated renovation, and that a consultant study confirmed the need for expanded space.

Bodie presented an estimated total project cost of about $15,500,000 and explained cost distribution based on caseload: Polk County covers the largest share, Highlands County has committed $1,500,000, and the state provided a $3,000,000 appropriation. Based on Hardee County's relative workload (about 3–5% of the facility's cases), Polk requested a $500,000 contribution from Hardee County, payable over two fiscal years; the county manager's office had budgeted $250,000 in the current year.

Commissioners asked about schedule and cost overrun safeguards; Bodie said design is underway, PPK Architects is the designer, RADA Construction is negotiating as construction manager at risk, and Polk County will absorb any cost overruns beyond the estimated project amount. After discussion, the Hardee County commission moved, seconded and unanimously approved the local agreement subject to county attorney approval and authorized county officials to sign necessary documents.

Bodie said Polk County will include Hardee County in future milestones and ceremonial events when construction begins.