Kent County Building Authority pauses medical examiner project after feasibility study shows regional $25M build-out

Denny Mosson, chair of the Kent County Building Authority, heard an update March 11 on a medical examiner facility feasibility study that envisions a regional, full build-out and a higher cost than previously budgeted.

Tim Bradshaw, Kent County facilities management director, introduced Project Manager Rich LaBombard, who said he was "glad to be part of Kent County" as the team continues planning. Bradshaw told members leadership met with the medical examiner team to present the feasibility findings and said the study’s preferred approach is a regional facility built out up front.

The county estimated costs for that regional approach at roughly $25 million, an increase from the amount currently reflected in county budgeting, Bradshaw said. Conversations are ongoing with Michigan State University about potential operational roles or contributions, and officials said the county is evaluating whether a broader, regional project with shared costs is preferable to a smaller, county-only facility.

Bradshaw said the project is in a holding pattern until the Kent County Board of Commissioners decides whether to pursue the full regional build-out. Mark Rambo, deputy county administrator, told the Authority the timeline remains reasonable while staff refine the county’s needs and funding approach but cautioned that expanding the project to a regional scale raises additional variables, including shared-cost agreements and how to balance future regional demand against current county needs.

The Building Authority took no formal action on the medical examiner project during the meeting; staff said they expect to return with additional direction if the Board of Commissioners opts to proceed.