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Medical examiner proposes eliminating deputy role and using locums while boosting investigators, uniforms and scene-capable vehicles
Summary
The medical examiner proposed a 0-based budget that would eliminate a deputy medical examiner post (saving about $412,000), rely more on locum/forensic staffing, and redirect resources toward investigator support (uniforms, certification stipends, marked scene vehicles), while requesting $34,000 for transportation and smaller equipment purchases.
Dr. Joe Hain, director of operations for the Medical Examiner's Office, presented a 0-based budget proposal to the commissioners that would reduce the office’s structural payroll cost by eliminating the deputy medical examiner slot and increase reliance on locum forensic pathologists for coverage. Dr. Hain said the change would yield large personnel savings (he cited a $412,000 deletion) but that the office still needs funds to secure on-call forensic-pathology staffing (he requested a portion of the funding for that service and noted the department can reallocate some existing budget lines).
Dr. Hain emphasized that savings should be redirected to strengthen the investigative division: he asked to restore a senior investigator position, provide uniforms and on-site laundry for investigators who work biohazardous scenes, purchase or lease scene-capable vehicles with light bars (Texas law now permits medical examiner investigators limited red/blue lighting for identification), and implement a small step or stipend to reward investigators who achieve national certification. He said the investigative team is largely newer professionals and that investment in certifications and equipment would improve safety and retention.
Other modest asks included $34,000 for transportation costs and a $1,600 refrigerator for the new building’s training/conference room. Dr. Hain said the overall net result of the proposed changes and reallocations would be a reduction in the office’s budget (he cited a net reduction figure of about $170,924) while improving operations and investigator support.
Commissioners raised questions about fleet funding mechanisms (capital vs. enterprise leasing) and about retention incentives for investigators; Dr. Hain acknowledged locum staffing is an operating cost and noted purchasing/leasing options will be discussed with the county’s purchasing and enterprise-leasing teams. No vote was taken; commissioners encouraged the ME to refine costs and to coordinate with enterprise leasing and HR on retention incentives.
