Milwaukee County Pursues Debt Collection from Funeral Homes

Milwaukee County officials are moving to collect unpaid fees from funeral homes, with outstanding debts totaling tens of thousands of dollars owed to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office (MCMEO). The county is considering collection efforts and potential legal action to recover these funds.

The Scope of the Debt

Records indicate that at least 18 funeral homes owe more than $25,000 to the MCMEO, with one owing over $500,000 . These debts stem from fees associated with death investigations and processing, including costs for death certificates, body transport and cremation permits, some of which are mandated by state law. Funeral homes typically collect these costs from families and are then responsible for remitting payment to the county.

New Policy for Outstanding Balances

A new policy implemented this year requires funeral homes with balances exceeding $25,000 to pay fees upfront until their past-due balances are fully settled . This measure aims to ensure timely payment for services rendered and promote equitable treatment of all funeral homes .

County’s Financial Considerations

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley emphasized the importance of maximizing efficiencies and recovering owed funds to support essential programs and services for residents. “It’s significant that all of our departments continue to look at their budgets and figure out how we can maximize our efficiencies, and figure out where we can find dollars to make sure we’re putting that into programs and services that, so many residents rely on,” Crowley stated .

Medical Examiner’s Office Responsibilities

The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office investigates approximately 10,000 deaths annually and performs autopsies for Milwaukee, Jefferson, Kenosha, Racine, and Ozaukee counties . The office also operates an ACGME-accredited fellowship program in forensic pathology.

Next Steps

A Milwaukee County committee is scheduled to consider a resolution next week that would authorize the county’s attorneys to pursue collection efforts or legal action against funeral homes with significant unpaid balances .