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New autopsy center prompts staffing, equipment and contract costs; county budgets for 70 cases
Summary
County medical staff told commissioners the new autopsy center is budgeted for 70 autopsies next year, with contracted pathologist rates, CT scans, toxicology and special cleaning driving increases; staff asked for one-time phone and signage expenses that commissioners said could be covered by interest or fund balance.
Doctor Duke, speaking for the county's medical/autopsy team, briefed commissioners on the operational assumptions and costs tied to the new autopsy center. "We budgeted as if we're anticipating 70," Duke said, describing how professional-services contracts (for example, a lead pathologist at $2,200 per autopsy) and backup coverage with higher travel costs were factored into FY27 projections.
Duke described additions to the B and C budgets for CT scans, toxicology, specialized cleaning and increased janitorial work associated with a larger facility. The office estimated supply costs at roughly $200 per autopsy and explained that CT scanning and radiology-read fees were added based on the current number of scans and an estimated annual reader fee.
Commissioners asked about average per-case cost and whether the quoted $2,200 is all-inclusive. Staff said the $2,200 covers the lead pathologist in many cases but that complex cases or backup providers can push per-case costs into the $2,500—$4,000 range when travel and hotel are included.
The autopsy center also requested $10,000 in noncapital items (about $7,000 for a street sign and $3,000 for phones). Commissioners discussed using interest funds for the one-time items and asked staff to ensure one-time expenses are not misclassified as ongoing line items. The presenter said the facility remains on track for an estimated mid-October opening, subject to construction scheduling and Avista utility work.
The board did not vote on the autopsy requests at the meeting but asked staff to return with any updated, itemized per-case calculations and to reclassify one-time versus ongoing costs where appropriate.
