Coroner Reports Rising Costs, Requests Dedicated Phone Line

From the Blackford County Council Budget Workshop #2 & Regular Meeting on August 5, 2026

The Blackford County coroner told the county council that transport and autopsy costs are both increasing in 2027. Transport costs are rising from $500 to $550 per trip, and autopsy costs from $1,350 to $1,500 each. The office handles an estimated 20 to 25 transports and autopsies combined per year.

The coroner also requested a dedicated office phone line. Currently, calls go through dispatch or the coroner's personal cell phone. The county's existing Level365 phone system may be able to add a line at minimal cost.

For the 2027 budget, the coroner plans to separate transport and autopsy expenses into distinct line items for better tracking. Both currently come from the same budget line.

Source: YouTube transcript — Blackford County Council Budget Workshop #2 & Regular Meeting, August 5, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.