The Bannock County Commissioners have reached a consensus to postpone their decision on the establishment of the East Idaho Forensic Pathology Center until Thursday.
Commissioner Ernie Moser stated that he had received calls about the center from members of the Idaho Legislature and a representative of the governor’s office before the commissioners meeting earlier this week.
After engaging in a thorough discussion, the county commissioners determined that additional time was necessary to arrive at a final decision regarding the future of the center.
Bannock County has been granted approximately $17 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. These funds could potentially serve as the necessary funding source for the construction of the proposed forensic pathology center near the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office in south Pocatello.
Discussions among the commissioners have been ongoing for weeks, with much of the focus centered around the cost, tax burden, and financial viability of the center. During these deliberations, various ideas such as subscription models and state involvement to mitigate potential costs have been suggested. However, the commissioners seem to have differing opinions on whether or not to proceed with the center.
The East Idaho Forensic Pathology Center was established to address the state’s requirement for an additional facility to conduct autopsies. Currently, all autopsies in the state are conducted at a facility located in Ada County, in southwest Idaho.
Bannock County officials believed that establishing a forensic pathology center in Pocatello would offer a more convenient option for counties in this region to access autopsy services.
The commissioners will make their final decision on the project during their 9 a.m. Thursday meeting in the commissioners chambers at the Bannock County Courthouse.
