The LaSalle County coroner reported November case statistics and briefed the committee on two operational matters: a pending intergovernmental agreement with McLean County for autopsy/regional-morgue services and persistent mechanical failures with a newly purchased transport van.

The coroner said McLean County is formalizing a written agreement — used by roughly 21 counties, according to the coroner — and that LaSalle County attorneys are examining indemnification language after several counties raised liability concerns. The committee was told a revised proposal is expected before December and that staff will present an update in January.

The coroner also described repeated battery-drain and starting failures on a brand-new transport van, including a suspected control module under the driver's seat that may not be shutting down. The vehicle has been returned to the dealership for additional diagnostics; staff said they would escalate the issue through the state bid/vendor if the problem persists.

Separately, animal-control staff reviewed proposed updates to the county's Animal Control Professional Fee Schedule to align with an agreement to use IVAR and local veterinary partners. Recommendations included clarifying '3 working days' language, raising the boarding daily rate to about $50, separating rabies-testing preparation ($89) from euthanasia/disposal ($144), and increasing fees for board and quarantine to better match actual costs. Staff said the budget impact was expected to be minimal because fees had not been retained at realistic levels; the board approved the fee-schedule amendments in a roll call vote.

Why it matters: Fee adjustments affect how the county processes stray and biting animals, how labs and vet clinics are paid for rabies testing, and how animal-control partners are reimbursed; the autopsy-agreement negotiations affect liability and access to regional forensic services.

Next steps: The coroner will continue legal review of the proposed McLean County agreement and report back; animal control will publish the amended fee schedule and coordinate with shelter and vet partners to implement billing changes.

Sources: Coroner report and animal-control presentation to the LaSalle County Public Safety Committee.