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, 2026, in the not-to-exceed amount of $42,000 per year.
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, subdivision 1a. The amendment is to extend the JPA one more 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 the public that the JPA is being extended for an additional year and to 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 $42,000 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 9, 2024 the Ramsey County Board approved a Joint Powers of Agreement with the state of Minnesota, Department of Corrections for medical examiner services (Resolution B2024-127).
Attachments
1. Amended Joint Powers of Agreement.