R-2006-20 oppose implementation of charges for services rendered by Harris County medical examiner's office

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RESOLUTION NO. 2006-Jb A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS OPPOSING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CHARGES FOR SERVICES RENDERED BY THE HARRIS COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE. WHEREAS, On May 18, 2006 the Harris County Medical Examiner notified the City of La Porte by written correspondence that the Medical Examiner's office would begin billing for requested laboratory services; and, WHEREAS, services rendered by the Medical Examiner's office have historically been furnished at no additional cost, similar to other County taxpayer supported services such as the District Attorney's Office, The County and District Court system, the County Jail system, etc; and, WHEREAS, incorporated cities in Harris County and other police agencies were never consulted prior to the announcement of this fee; and, WHEREAS, the proposed fee schedule amounts to "double billing" for services, in that the residents of La Porte participate mightily in the ad-valorem taxation of Harris County residents; and, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS: City Council stands firmly opposed to any such fee that amounts to a double-taxation of city residents. City Council fmds it particularly egregious that such fees were presented as a fait- accompli without due consultation and consideration of those agencies most directly impacted by their implementation; and, that these actions were taken with little or no planning or regard for long term consequences on the part of Harris County. City Council recognizes and appreciates the decision that was reached to delay charging fees, as they were originally to be implemented June 1, 2006; and that the further consideration regarding the charging of such fees should be with consultation and consideration of those agencies directly impacted by such an implementation offees. City Council believes that the implementation of such fees will have a chilling effect on Medical Examiner service requests, resulting in a more lengthy and problematic prosecutions, which in turn will result in more crime countywide. The City of La Porte requests Harris County to not implement the program of charging fees for Medical Examiner services, and that a more thoughtful and inclusive process regarding this matter be followed, going forward. PASSED AND APPROVED on this the day of , A.D., 2006. CITY OF LA PORTE Alton E. Porter, Mayor ATTEST: Martha Gillett City Secretary !1-t5o/Gt--!(o0 fJ of jJlf55~d . C~ I e -f R~-f--f {J)'rt01fJ -h 6t nd )ffltf