Pike County Quorum Court purchase equipment for Coroner’s office

Recently appointed Pike County Coroner Jason McDonald received approval at Tuesday’s quorum court meeting to purchase some items that will assist with the coroner’s duties.  McDonald told j.p.’s the county is responsible for transporting deceased individuals who are not picked up by the funeral home.  McDonald said Smith Family Funeral Home of Glenwood, has offered to sell the county a full equipped van.  The unit has 135,000 miles and was priced at $5,000 dollars.  He also advised that the county needs to look into storage options.  Other items needed are a digital camera and laptop, for reporting purposes, and additional funding for deputy coroner call outs. 

J.p.’s voted to add $7,000 dollars to the budget for the van and equipment purchases, with the money from the county’s Cares Act fund.  As for the deputies pay, the county currently provides $150 dollars for 10 call outs a year.  J.p.’s told McDonald they would revisit the pay issue at some point in the future.