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Commissioners press coroner to explain autopsy criteria after budget increase
Summary
The board flagged a $100,000–$110,000 autopsy budget for the coroner and asked the coroner to attend to explain decision criteria; commissioners discussed whether a written priority schedule or executive-session briefing is needed.
Commissioners raised questions July 27 about a sizeable coroner autopsy budget increase and asked the coroner to appear at the next meeting to explain how autopsy decisions are made. Ernie Moser noted the coroner had requested $100,000 and the recommendation showed $110,000; commissioners asked for a clear priority schedule that would help the board and the public understand which deaths require autopsy and which may not.
Chair said "There is no guideline. It is up to the coroner's discretion," noting there is no state statute governing the choice, and commissioners asked Tory (the coroner) to come prepared to describe his decision process and the criteria he uses. Staff suggested that some of that discussion might need to occur in executive session if legal or personnel matters are involved; the board agreed to invite the coroner and to prepare follow-up questions so commissioners can better defend and explain the expenditure to constituents.
Provenance: topicintro SEG 108, topfinish SEG 416.
