Teton County commissioners on Oct. 7 agreed to continue consideration of a work order for owner’s representative services and initial funding for a proposed dedicated coroner’s morgue to the board’s Oct. 21 regular meeting.

Dr. Brent Blue, Teton County coroner, asked for a work order to hire an owner’s representative and an architectural firm to perform site evaluation and planning for a 3,500-square-foot morgue. Dr. Blue told commissioners the existing facility is an adapted two-car garage that is inadequate for morgue operations and family visitations.

Tom Farrens, representing the county’s owner's-rep firm, said a prior feasibility study identified two potential Adams Canyon sites and that costs would rise if employee housing were added. Farrens noted prior practice of using a multi-year master agreement with a firm (work orders issued under the master agreement) and recommended caution about advancing design without a funding plan for construction.

County staff (Tom Gingery) and others reminded commissioners the work order was not discussed during this year’s budget review and that the clerk and administrator were absent from the meeting. Staff said the immediate work order before the board would be for approximately $95,000 under the county master agreement; design and construction estimates presented at the meeting ranged from about $3 million to $4 million, while county staff suggested a wider contingency figure had been discussed elsewhere.

Several commissioners said the need is real but requested more budget context and return of key staff. Commissioner Carlman moved to continue the item to the board’s Oct. 21 meeting; Commissioner Macker seconded. The motion carried unanimously.