To: Board of Supervisors
From: Sheriff
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Agreement for Autopsy Services with Neil Kushner, M.D.
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve the Personal Services Agreement between Neil Kushner, M.D. and the County of Humboldt (Attachment 1) to provide autopsy services for fiscal year (FY) 2023-24; and Authorize the Chair of the Board to sign the agreement and all amendments, extensions or revisions for the term of the agreement.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund 1100221-400
DISCUSSION:
The Humboldt County Coroner’s Office partners with providers to ensure that autopsies are performed as needed. Currently, Dr. Kushner is the only local provider willing to provide general autopsies. The Coroner’s office has one out-of-county provider to provide forensic autopsies. Dr. Kushner has worked reliably with the county for years.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
|
Expenditures (Fund, Budget Unit) |
FY23-24 Adopted |
FY24-25 Projected |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
146,000.00 |
146,000.00 |
|
Total Expenditures |
146,000.00 |
146,000.00 |
|
Funding Sources (Fund, Budget Unit) |
FY23-24 Adopted |
FY24-25 Projected* |
|
General Fund |
146,000.00 |
146,000.00 |
|
Total Funding Sources |
146,000.00 |
146,000.00 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
The compensation to Dr. Kushner for his services is $800.00 per autopsy, $250.00 per external exam and written report of findings, $150.00 for chart reviews, $50.00 per telephone consultation, and $150.00 per hour for court testimony and preparation. Funding for these services was budgeted in the amount of $146,000.00 through the Coroner’s Office annual budget in 1100-221400 for fiscal year (FY) 2023-24. The amount for future fiscal years will be included in the annual budget cycle.
STAFFING IMPACT:
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impact:
There is no impact to staffing because of this agreement.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework priority of facilitating public/private partnerships to solve problems.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board could choose not to approve this contract, but that is not recommended as this is an established relationship and there are currently no other local providers that can provide this critical service.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Personal Services Agreement with Neil Kushner, M.D.
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: 09/01/2020
File No.: 20-967