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NKU to host Medical Examiner and crime lab; university to contribute $3.7 million, officials say
Summary
Officials updated the Budget Review Subcommittee that Northern Kentucky University will house a renovated civic center to accommodate the state Medical Examiner and an expanded crime lab; NKU will contribute $3.7 million, and a full project timeline will be provided later.
Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer, chair of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice, Public Safety, & Judiciary, heard an update June 3 on a proposed Northern Kentucky University civic center renovation to house the state Medical Examiner and an expanded crime lab.
Mary Paula Schuh, senior director for planning, design and construction at NKU, said the building is in “excellent structural condition” but needs a new HVAC system, electrical wiring, a new roof and windows. Chris Calvert, NKU chief financial officer, said NKU will contribute $3.7 million to the project and that the Medical Examiner and crime lab have specific technical requirements that affect design and cost.
Rebecca Norton, budget director for the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, told the committee the full project timeline will be provided at a later date and said NKU’s proximity to the existing Northern Kentucky crime lab was a major factor in choosing the site. Natalie Brawner of the Finance and Administration Cabinet said the goal is to use state properties when feasible and noted that earlier 2022 budgeted dollars could not be used at St. Elizabeth Healthcare Edgewood because appropriate space was not available then.
Committee members asked about operating costs. Calvert said the annual lease includes some maintenance items; Norton added that maintenance covered by the lease would include snow removal and security systems, while utilities and staffing costs would be paid by the Office of the State Medical Examiner. Norton also said the Kentucky State Police currently maintain a crime lab in Northern Kentucky that has been outgrown.
Schuh acknowledged delays, saying the project’s complexity has pushed back timing. On logistics, Schuh and Norton said where a decedent is transported depends on the originating county (Kenton, Campbell or Boone), with Lexington, Louisville and Frankfort as possible destinations; Norton said the county coroner would bear the transport cost.
Officials told the subcommittee they believe the project’s financials are on track but that final cost certainty awaits the bidding process and that inflation and construction or equipment cost changes could affect totals. The subcommittee asked presenters to return with a complete timeline and more details in November.
The committee received the update and took no formal action during the June 3 meeting.
