Commission reaches agreement on body transport issue

By Staff
Jonathan Willis
Two months after being notified that the state would no longer transport bodies to forensic labs across the state when an autopsy is needed, the Franklin County Commission voted Friday to enter into a temporary agreement with a Huntsville-based business for transport services.
The commission unanimously voted to enter into an agreement with Professional Removal Services. The company will charge the county $195 to pick up bodies in Red Bay and $2 per mile to any other part of the county.
The commission will provide the company with body bags, locks and forms.
Officials estimate that there are usually eight to 10 bodies in the county each year that are sent away for forensic analysis.
The commission also voted to add a $35 charge on all criminal court cases in both circuit and district court.
In other business, the commission: