Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County attorneys warn coroner testing could expose Sheridan County to liability; staffing options discussed
Summary
Deputy County Attorney Clint Beaver warned that adding UA and breathalyzer testing to the coroner's duties could risk loss of governmental immunity and liability for the county; commissioners discussed hiring and Sheriff Levi Dominguez offered to investigate testing options through the 24/7 program.
Deputy County Attorney Clint Beaver told commissioners that delegating urine-analysis (UA) and breathalyzer testing responsibilities to the coroner's office risks expanding statutory duties and could jeopardize governmental immunity, potentially exposing the county to liability.
Chairwoman Christi Haswell suggested hiring an additional full-time employee to support testing needs; Juvenile Justice Administrator Dan Lindly said a half-time position could meet needs within their budget. County Attorney Dianna Bennett emphasized the importance of maintaining drug-testing services for public safety and court purposes, and Sheriff Levi Dominguez offered to investigate controlled-substance testing options available through the sheriff's 24/7 program and to coordinate further discussions with the coroner, courts, and county offices.
