New Douglas County Coroner Lora Thomas has eliminated the forensic pathologist position in her office, a move she says will save the county about $100,000 annually.
Instead, autopsies will be contracted out to a group of forensic pathologists.
The number of autopsies performed annually — about 100 — didn’t warrant having a full-time forensic pathologist on staff, she said.
During her campaign, Thomas promised to streamline things and cut costs in the coroner’s office. She is also looking to replace two Chevy Suburbans with smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, she said.
The forensic pathologist position that was eliminated was held by Dr. Tera Jones. The move had nothing to do with her performance, Thomas said.
“It was strictly a financial decision,” she said.
Carlos Illescas, The Denver Post
