Regional Forensic Science Center proposes 15% average fee increase for out‑of‑county autopsies

Katie Asbury, representing the Regional Forensic Science Center, told commissioners the center has stabilized staffing in DNA and toxicology sections but faces persistent backlogs in drug identification and firearm examination. She asked for a fee schedule adjustment to reflect rising personnel and instrument costs.

Asbury said the center recommends increasing most out‑of‑county autopsy and toxicology fees by approximately 15 percent to better cover operating costs and to align with peer institutions in the region. She cited the 2025 average cost of an out‑of‑county autopsy at $2,572 and estimated a 15 percent increase would yield an average of about $2,958.

Why it matters: the center performs autopsies and toxicology services for neighboring counties and uses fee revenue to offset laboratory costs, including instrument service contracts that have increased an estimated 5–8 percent annually. Asbury said a few line items were consolidated to simplify billing and that some fees will remain unchanged where current rates reflect market value.

Next steps: the center requested the commission approve the fee schedule adjustments and staff said they will provide final fee language and projected revenue impacts as the budget process proceeds.