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HOLLIDAYSBURG -- The Blair County Coroner's Office is asking commissioners to authorize the purchase of metal identification badges similar to ones issued to employees in the sheriff and parole/probation offices.
"We are a law enforcement agency as well," Chief Deputy Coroner Ray Benton told commissioners Tuesday where he presented a quote from a Pittsburgh company showing 13 badges and their leather identification cases costing $2,325.
Benton said the expense could be covered with available money in the coroner's 2023 budget for janitorial services.
Commissioners, however, showed interest in exploring alternatives, possibly during 2024 budget planning sessions.
"I appreciate your initiative ... but I'm just not sure this is the right time," commissioners Chairman Bruce Erb said.
Erb also mentioned that the coroner's office is "way over budget" for 2023 because of autopsy costs.
Commissioner Amy Webster asked Benton about using revenue from sources other than the county's general fund to pay for the badges.
Benton acknowledged having access to money that can pay for safety equipment and related gear. But he said it cannot be spent on badges.
Webster also asked about the possibility of "putting something on county IDs" to spare the expense of buying badges.
Benton also told commissioners he knew of four badges currently in use -- one for the coroner, one for the chief deputy and two for deputy coroners.
Commissioner Laura Burke asked Benton if that means some deputies are going out on the job without a badge. Benton answered yes.
Over the years, the coroner's office has depended on a roster of part-time deputies -- generally eight or nine -- who hold other jobs and work for the coroner's office based on their availability.
Mirror Staff Writer Kay
Stephens is at 814-946-7456.