To: Board of Supervisors
From: Sheriff
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Approval of the Professional Services Agreement for Autopsy Services with Neil Kushner, M.D.
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve the Professional Services Agreement between Neil Kushner, M.D. and the County of Humboldt (Attachment 1) to provide autopsy services for fiscal years (FY) 2025-26 and 2026-27; and
2. Authorize the Chair of the Board to execute any and all subsequent amendments or extensions to the attached Agreement with Dr. Kushner after review and approval by County Counsel, Risk Management and the County Administrative Office.
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STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Core Services/Other
Strategic Plan Category: 9999 - Core Services/Other
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. Dr. Kushner has worked reliably with the county for years.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund (1100-272)
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
|
Expenditures (1100-272) |
FY25-26 |
FY26-27 Projected* |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
$150,000.00 |
$150,000.00 |
|
Additional Appropriation Requested |
$0 |
$0 |
|
Total Expenditures |
$150,000.00 |
$150,000.00 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
|
Funding Sources (1100-272) |
FY25-26 |
FY26-27 Projected* |
|
General Fund |
$150,000.00 |
$150,000.00 |
|
Total Funding Sources |
$150,000.00 |
$150,000.00 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
The compensation to Dr. Kushner for his services will remain the same as his previous contract and are $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 Coroner’s Office annual budget in 1100-272 for FY 2025-26. The amount for future fiscal years will be included in the annual budget cycle.
STAFFING IMPACT:
There is no impact to staffing.
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: Professional Services Agreement with Neil Kushner, M.D.
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A