County approves owner's representative work order for coroner’s office; coroner presses urgency

The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved work order 9 with Wimber Inc. for owner’s representative services on the coroner’s office project, not to exceed $95,000.

Teton County Coroner Brent Blue told the board the existing facility has serious biological and safety concerns and said the county has delayed addressing the need “for two and a half years.” He urged moving forward with architectural planning and site identification, noting the building cost estimate for a new morgue sits in the $3 million to $4 million range and that securing initial planning funds is essential.

Commissioner Gardner voiced concern the county might pay for plans now that could sit on a shelf for years if funding for construction is not available; Gardner said he feared paying twice if plans must be revised later. Blue replied he did not anticipate major technology changes that would require redesign and emphasized the current facility’s hazardous condition.

Public comment: Resident Scott Pearson supported moving forward and suggested relocating Parks & Rec storage to free up a potential site.

Action: Commissioner Probst moved to approve Wimber Inc. Work Order 9 for owner’s representative services for the coroner’s office project, not to exceed $95,000; Commissioner Gardner seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

Ending: Staff will proceed with the owner's representative contract and continue work on site selection and architectural plans; the board expects coroner’s staff to return during the county’s capital improvements review in December for prioritization and funding discussions.