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Annual Report (issued in October 2024), District 8 had 5,142 total district deaths (Table I), of which there were
<br />872 cases were referred (excluding cremation approvals) resulting in 426 autopsies performed, 238 bodies
<br />inspected, and 186 cases only investigated for a total work load of 850 cases (Table Ic 2023 Workload by
<br />Death Examination). As noted in the table, Case Investigated Only means the body was not viewed by a
<br />medical examiner, although the case was investigated and certified by a medical examiner. The reported
<br />workload does not include the 3,787 cremation approval or certain other categories such as human
<br />archaeological remains or non -human remains.
<br />In comparison, according to the MEC's 2023 Annual Report, District 19's population is 738,847, there were
<br />9,067 total district deaths, of which there were 2,126 cases referred (excluding cremation approvals) and 1,060
<br />case were accepted resulting in 671 autopsies performed, 118 bodies inspected, and 271 cases only
<br />investigated. Cremation approvals totaled 7,345 and 1,066 cases resulted in jurisdiction being declined as they
<br />didn't meet the requirements of Section 406.11, Florida Statutes.
<br />County Administration reached out to the State Attorney, the Public Defender, the Sheriff, and the Chief Judge.
<br />At the time of drafting this agenda item report, State Attorney Bakkedahl expressed support noting the County
<br />should do what is necessary to retain Dr. Aronica and Public Defender Litty echoed similar support. Staff will
<br />report the sentiments of the other officials prior to or during the Board meeting.
<br />ANALYSIS
<br />Pursuant to Section 406.06(3), Florida Statutes, "District medical examiners and associate medical examiners
<br />shall be entitled to compensation and such reasonable salary and fees as are established by the board of county
<br />commissioners in the respective districts." The Interlocal Agreement provides that all notices or other
<br />communications be provided to the St. Lucie County Administrator with a copy to the other county
<br />administrators. As previously noted, this request comes to Indian River County based on a conversation
<br />between Medical Examiner Dr. Aronica and the St. Lucie County Administrator. The requested salary increase
<br />negotiated by the St. Lucie County Administrator to retain Dr. Aronica is $127,857 (along with benefits based
<br />on salary), and it is proposed to take effect on June 1, 2025. Dr. Aronica's current salary is $367,143, and with
<br />the request her annual salary would increase to $495,000.
<br />The Second Amended and Restated Interlocal Agreement (Medical Examiner) between the four counties was
<br />approved by the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners on September 18, 2018, on the Consent
<br />Agenda. This request would require an amendment to increase the Office of the Medical Examiner's budget, of
<br />which Section 3 of the ILA provides the procedure to review and approve the medical examiner's budget. More
<br />specifically, as it relates to increasing the approved budget, "The Counties agree that the proposed budget may
<br />not be increased without the consent of all four (4) counties."
<br />It is staff s understanding Dr. Aronica is considering an offer, presumably to be the District 8 Medical Examiner,
<br />and also has an offer to serve as a Deputy Chief Medical Examiner for another district in the State. Dr. Aronica
<br />has more than 23 years experience as a medical examiner, and by all accounts is highly regarded and respected
<br />among those reliant upon the services of the Office of the Medical Examiner. Her resignation would, arguably,
<br />result in a decreased level of service, albeit temporary. An interim medical examiner would need to be
<br />appointed, and the four (4) Counties would need to engage in a recruitment process to hire a Chief Medical
<br />Examiner. Additionally, Dr. Aronica has been intricately involved in the future planning needs for the District,
<br />and more specifically the new District 19 Medical Examiner's Facility.
<br />BUDGETARY IMPACT
<br />In terms of Indian River County's share, the County is responsible for 25.27% of the expenses related to the
<br />Office of the Medical Examiner. Thus, if approved, the annual salary increase amount for which Indian River
<br />County would be responsible is $43,734. For the current Fiscal Year the impact would be $14,528 (salary only)
<br />Indian River County, Florida Page 2 of 3 Printed on 4/2/2025
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