Coroner reports declines in case‑closure times, flags drug‑related trends and software needs
May 15, 2026 | Kane County, Illinois
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Dr. Silva, Kane County coroner, presented the office’s FY27 budget and recent mortality trends during the May 14 committee meeting.
She told the committee the coroner’s office reduced its proposed budget by $86,817 and expects to be on budget for 2026 despite rising toxicology and autopsy costs. "Each autopsy is about $1,750," she said, adding toxicology testing can range from about $200 to $600 depending on case complexity.
Dr. Silva reported total deaths of 3,630 in 2024 and 3,754 in 2025; as of the meeting 2026 case closures were tracking at about 1,403 year‑to‑date. She said motorcycle fatalities numbered five in 2025 and four so far in 2026 (all young men in their 20s). On drug trends she said 23 fentanyl‑related deaths were recorded in 2025 but noted only one case had an official fentanyl determination so far in 2026; she cautioned case totals remain subject to change while investigations are open.
The coroner emphasized technology and staffing needs: the current case‑management (COAS) system is more than 20 years old and hinders data queries; Dr. Silva said her office is evaluating replacement systems with an illustrative five‑year cost of about $300,000. She said improved software would speed reporting and free staff time for investigations, potentially yielding payroll savings over time.
Dr. Silva also said the office trimmed average case‑closure time from around 90 days to about 60 and highlighted investments in cameras and other safety measures for staff. Committee members discussed funding strategies and state legislative outreach to help cover statutory mandates and software needs.
She told the committee the coroner’s office reduced its proposed budget by $86,817 and expects to be on budget for 2026 despite rising toxicology and autopsy costs. "Each autopsy is about $1,750," she said, adding toxicology testing can range from about $200 to $600 depending on case complexity.
Dr. Silva reported total deaths of 3,630 in 2024 and 3,754 in 2025; as of the meeting 2026 case closures were tracking at about 1,403 year‑to‑date. She said motorcycle fatalities numbered five in 2025 and four so far in 2026 (all young men in their 20s). On drug trends she said 23 fentanyl‑related deaths were recorded in 2025 but noted only one case had an official fentanyl determination so far in 2026; she cautioned case totals remain subject to change while investigations are open.
The coroner emphasized technology and staffing needs: the current case‑management (COAS) system is more than 20 years old and hinders data queries; Dr. Silva said her office is evaluating replacement systems with an illustrative five‑year cost of about $300,000. She said improved software would speed reporting and free staff time for investigations, potentially yielding payroll savings over time.
Dr. Silva also said the office trimmed average case‑closure time from around 90 days to about 60 and highlighted investments in cameras and other safety measures for staff. Committee members discussed funding strategies and state legislative outreach to help cover statutory mandates and software needs.
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