Sponsor: Medical Examiner
Title
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Amendment to the Joint Powers Agreement with the State of Minnesota Department of Corrections for Medical Examiner Services
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Recommendation
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1. Approve an amendment to the Joint Powers Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Corrections, 1450 Energy Park Drive, Saint Paul, MN 55108 for medical examiner services for the period upon execution through June 30, 2025.
2. Authorize the Chair and Chief Clerk to execute the amendment.
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Background and Rationale
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The state of Minnesota, acting through its Commissioner of Corrections, Office of Special Investigations wishes to continue a Joint Powers of Agreement (JPA) with Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office to provide medical examiner services as needed to the Minnesota Department of Corrections.
Services include but are not limited to use of autopsy room, equipment, preparation of reports, autopsies, drug quantification, blood testing, toxicology, x-rays, and review incarcerated deaths per Minnesota Statues Section 390.11, subd. 1a.
The amendment is to extend the JPA one more year and to increase the total amount allowed from $84,000 to $105,000 ($21,000 per year).
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☐ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
This JPA ensures all Ramsey County residents have access to the professional services provided during and after the death investigation process regardless of circumstances, race, financial, or social status. The Medical Examiner’s Office works closely with next of kin (if possible) to follow and respect cultural practices of the final arrangements for the decedent.
Community Participation Level and Impact
There was no community engagement for this request for board action. This is to inform public of the JPA to increase and ensure transparency in services provided by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Payment for services will be billed to Minnesota Department of Corrections in each occurrence of actual costs. Estimated costs noted in the JPA is $2,100 per examination not to exceed a total obligation of the state of $105,000 over the length of the JPA ($21,000 per year).
Any revenues received would be utilized to offset the increased expenditures required for an examination. On average, the Medical Examiner’s Office receives $13,000 annually from the Minnesota Department of Corrections for medical examiner services.
Last Previous Action
On July 18, 2023 the Ramsey County Board approved a Joint Powers of Agreement with the state of Minnesota, Department of Corrections for medical examiner services (Resolution B2023-119).
Attachments
1. Amended Joint Powers of Agreement