COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Board of Commissioners decided Friday not to renew an autopsy contract with Lucas County, Ohio for 2018 because of concerns about rising costs.
Branch County Medical Examiner Doctor Troy Davis told commissioners during last Friday’s work session that prices charged by Lucas County have risen over the last several years.
Lucas County is increasing their charge for 2018 to $1,450 per autopsy. County Commissioner Don Vrablic said last week that a bill he recently got from Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids included the toxicology cost while those costs were considered separate fees by Lucas County.
Commissioners decided that the county have their autopsies performed by Spectrum Health without a contract.
Following action last year on the state level, commissioners Friday formally granted an increase in Circuit Court juror pay and mileage compensation.
The new rates go into effect April 1, 2018. Jurors will get compensated up to $30 for the first full day and up to $45 on subsequent full days.
In addition, commissioners approved the one year hire rate for the Probate Referee position at over $71,000. There will be an additional $3,000 for being on call and in charge of the day treatment program.
Attorney Zackary Rusk will officially take over as Probate Court Referee April 2, 2018 following the recent retirement of John Howard.
