Pathologist seeks increase in space used for morgue

The morgue has reached its capacity at times.
WARREN -- Trumbull County's forensic pathologist has taken another step toward establishing a facility for coroner cases involving decomposed bodies.
The site would be in the present morgue at Forum Health Trumbull Memorial Hospital. First, however, county commissioners want to research the legalities.
Dr. Humphrey Germaniuk, chief deputy coroner and forensic pathologist, met this week with commissioners to ask for permission to hire Herschman Architects Inc. of Cleveland for $24,000 to design a remodeling of the current morgue.
The purpose of the facility is to provide a place where bodies that are part of a coroner's investigation can be stored and examined.
Dr. Germaniuk said he is also seeking $18,000 for two more refrigeration units, which would increase the morgue's capacity from five bodies to seven, he said -- adding that the morgue has reached its capacity at times.
The overall project would cost around $75,000, he said.
Extreme decomposition cases have been a problem for the county, which has had to ship such bodies to other communities for examination.
Cuyahoga County is increasing its fee from $1,000 to $1,200 per body, and Summit County now refuses to offer the service, Dr. Germaniuk said.
Eventual outcome
He said the improved facility at the hospital would save the county money within 10 years.
Dr. Germaniuk noted that the morgue was built in 1968 using some county money.
Commissioner Paul Heltzel said officials need to examine the lease the county signed with the hospital and determine whether it still meets the county's needs.
Jason Earnhart, assistant Trumbull County prosecutor, said it is legal for a governmental body to spend money on private property that is under lease, but the lease needs to be examined.