Chapter 2.54
DISPOSITION OF UNCLAIMED HUMAN REMAINS
Sections:
2.54.010 Administration—Coroner’s responsibility.
2.54.020 Notification of coroner—Application.
2.54.030 Notification of person to claim remains.
2.54.040 County responsibility.
2.54.060 Recoupment of county expenses.
2.54.010 Administration— Coroner’s responsibility.
The county coroner shall have primary responsibility for administration of this chapter. The coroner shall exercise discretion consistent with the intent of this chapter in fairly meeting the statutory obligation with a minimum expenditure of funds needed for other governmental operations. (Res. CE 93-083 § 1, 1993)
2.54.020 Notification of coroner—Application.
Any person in possession of unclaimed human remains shall notify the county coroner on a form to be provided by the coroner. (Res. CE 93-083 § 2, 1993)
2.54.030 Notification of person to claim remains.
The coroner shall, upon receipt of the application, attempt to notify the spouse, children and parents of the deceased and any other known relatives or friends or religious organizations that may desire to claim the remains or provide for disposition. (Res. CE 93-083 § 3, 1993)
2.54.040 County responsibility.
If the coroner, after appropriate inquiry, is unable to find any person obligated and financially able, or any other person or religious organization, willing to provide for the disposition of the body of the deceased, the coroner shall proceed to dispose of the remains and indicate, on the disposition portion of the form, that this has been done, and whether or not an exception to the county policy on disposition has been approved or requested by the county official authorized to do so. An exception may be authorized where the coroner determines that burial of the remains is necessary due to circumstances surrounding the death, or known religious or family objections to cremation exist. (Res. CE 93-083 § 4, 1993)
2.54.050 Payment of costs.
The entity providing the services approved pursuant to this chapter shall provide the county with an invoice specifying the services provided and submit the same to the county coroner for processing. (Res. CE 93-083 § 5, 1993)
2.54.060 Recoupment of county expenses.
The county prosecuting attorney is authorized to pursue recoupment of county expenses in cases where such efforts appear to be cost-effective. (Res. CE 93-083 § 6, 1993)