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Commission renews coroner autopsy contract amid caseload update; per‑case fees to rise modestly
Summary
Christian County renewed a forensic autopsy and pathology services contract with Southwest Missouri Forensics that includes a requested $50 increase on common services; Coroner Mandy Ermitich told commissioners she has performed about 15 autopsies so far this year and noted the office has recorded 96 deaths to date.
Christian County commissioners approved a one‑year renewal of the county’s forensic autopsy and pathology services contract, and the coroner provided an update on caseload and per‑case charges.
Purchasing staff introduced renewal of RFP 2023‑2 with Southwest Missouri Forensics and said the provider requested a $50 per‑case increase on several line items: the complete autopsy with drug panel (currently $2,600), the comprehensive drug panel (currently $1,600) and an external exam service (about $300). Purchasing staff attributed the requested increases to higher laboratory costs and recommended approving the renewal for an additional year.
The commission moved and approved the renewal by voice vote. Chair then asked the coroner to describe caseloads; Coroner Mandy Ermitich said the office has performed about 15 autopsies so far this year and that the county has recorded 96 deaths to date. “This year, so far, I think we’ve done 15,” the coroner said.
Commissioners acknowledged the coroner’s workload and noted the service is essential but often invisible to most residents; they approved the renewal as part of routine contract management and budget planning.
