Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Medical Examiner Conversion topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Albany County explores replacing elected coroners with medical examiner office, estimates $1.25M staffing increase
Summary
County staff presented a plan to convert Albany County's coroner system to a regional-style medical examiner office, estimating seven additional positions (two autopsy physicians, two techs, three death investigators) and initial added staffing costs of about $1.25 million offset in part by reduced contract payments to Ellis Hospital and potential shared-services models with neighboring counties.
Albany County staff briefed the Law Committee on a proposed charter change to abolish the elected coroner model and establish a medical examiner office. The proposal seeks to professionalize death investigation services, centralize oversight and explore shared services with neighboring counties and a regional morgue to reduce long-term costs.
Anna Sback, described in the transcript as a policy analyst with the County Executive's office, and other staff outlined an estimated staffing need based on regional caseloads: two physicians licensed to perform autopsies (forensic pathologists), two autopsy technicians, and three medical-legal death investigators plus existing administrative support. Staff provided a high-end estimate of about $1.25 million in additional annual personnel costs for the seven positions, and said some offsets could come from eliminating current contracts with Ellis Hospital (currently providing physicians and facilities) and from transportation and contract efficiencies. Staff also described conversations with neighboring counties about a shared-services model and the possibility of a regional morgue.
Committee members requested a detailed cost breakdown for pathologist salaries, clarification on how quickly coroners' elected positions would be abolished if voters approve the charter change, and more specificity on shared-services partners and space rental vs. long-term facility costs. One member noted none of the current coroners are physicians; staff confirmed that fact. The committee did not vote on a final measure and indicated further budgeting and staffing details will be needed before any ordinance or referendum is finalized.
