IRON MOUNTAIN — Dickinson County will explore forming a regional authority to provide morgue and autopsy services for area law enforcement.

The proposal was introduced Monday by Commissioner Kevin Pirlot in the wake of a controversy that arose when Dickinson County Healthcare System decided to no longer accommodate on-site autopsies, leaving the county without a facility for its county medical examiner. An agreement reached Nov. 14 has temporarily restored access to the morgue and autopsy room at the hospital, but the county is required to pursue other options.

“It is our responsibility here to provide a morgue,” Pirlot said at Monday’s county board meeting. A multi-county authority, which may include northern Wisconsin counties, could be a long-term solution, he said.

Chairman Henry Wender voted against Pirlot’s motion, suggesting it might sidetrack the county’s current efforts.

Wender, nonetheless, said Controller Brian Bousley should take the lead in looking into the viability of an authority.

Bousley said the possibility of bringing forensic pathology services to the Upper Peninsula was the focus of a meeting last week at Northern Michigan University. A forensic pathologist differs from a medical examiner, which is a position appointed by county commissioners.

The forensic pathology idea, however, has yet to reach a planning stage. “It’s going to take some time,” Bousley said, noting it may be discussed again in the spring.

In another matter, Commissioner Joe Stevens, a liaison to the DCHS board, urged patience from the community as the hospital continues to rebound from financial trouble.

“Question the hospital board,” he said in response to citizens Becky Robert, Laura Robertson and Heidi Harwell. All three raised concerns about the future direction of DCHS, including its recent decision to outsource pathology and laboratory services.

The hospital is awaiting word on its application for a $25.65 million federal loan that would allow it to refinance its higher-interest debt and purchase new equipment.

Stevens acknowledged the financial restructuring has been “a frustrating process” but urged support for new CEO Chuck Nelson.

Stevens also said he heard “nothing negative” during a post-employment conversation with Nelson’s predecessor, Jeanne Goche, hired a year ago on an interim basis to help stabilize the hospital’s finances as the loan application was readied.