News Photo by Crystal Nelson Marcus Atkins, senior director of development with the Michigan Institute of Forensic Science and Medicine, left, and Medical Examiner Russell Bush attend the Alcona County Board of Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, where Bush was appointed as the county’s new medical examiner.

HARRISVILLE — The Alcona County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday approved a new contract for medical examiner services with the Michigan Institute of Forensic Science and Medicine and appointed Russell Bush as the county’s new medical examiner.

The county terminated its previous contract with former Medical Examiner Amy Marker before it was set to expire in September.

Board Chairman Craig Johnston said the county had “some issues and difficulties” with its previous medical examiner. Johnston believes the contract is competitive and that the medical examiner services will operate more efficiently.

Marker refused to comment on Wednesday. She said she had not received a contract cancellation notice from the county.

“This potentially could even lower the costs to the county for our medical examiner costs,” he said. “It all depends on how many exams would have to happen and that sort of thing.”

Johnston expects communication will also be much better in the new agreement.

“You are the first northern county that we would serve, so we’re excited about that,” Marcus Atkins, senior director of development with the institute, said.

Atkins said he has already been in touch with Sheriff Scott Stephenson and Gillies Funeral Home in Lincoln to discuss logistics.

Marker was paid $360 per month for her services, and the county was required to pay for the equipment, supplies, and facilities for Marker to carry out those services. The county did not pay Marker’s transportation costs.

The new contract stipulates Alcona County will pay the Michigan Institute of Forensic Science and Medicine $18,000 the first year and $20,000 the second and third year of the contract.

The county will also pay the medical examiner scene investigators a flat rate of $150 per case, which includes mileage, case investigation, phone calls, and paperwork. After 90 days, that rate would increase to $190 per case.

In the event of a mass fatality incident, the county will pay additional pathologists who might be called to the scene. The contract can be canceled by either party at any time with 60 days of written notice.

Commissioner Carolyn Brummund told Atkins she appreciated the ease with which they were able to work together and how quickly Marcus got back with her.

Bush is familiar with the county. He used to serve as medical examiner for District Health Department No. 2, which serves the residents of Alcona County, as well as Iosco, Oscoda, and Ogemaw counties.

Bush said it will be nice to be back in the area and that he’s looking forward to getting in touch with officials at the Health Department again.

Alcona County is not the first county to change medical examiner services recently.

Alpena County recently changed medical examiner services, hiring Mid Michigan Medical Examiners Group. Don Ramsay serves as the medical examiner for both Montmorency and Presque Isle counties.