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On December 13, the county commissioners tabled action until December 20 on awarding a new four-year contract for emergency medical services. Commissioners Tom Wilson and Gerald Wendel wanted time to read each proposal in full and to talk to the review committee. Commissioner John Heis was familiar with the information, because he had been part of the review committee.
The advice from consultants Brent Meadows and Barry Ritter and the unanimous recommendation from the appointed EMS review committee was to award the contract to Letts Volunteer Community Fire Department. They are located in Decatur County.
Consultant Brent Meadows said that the goal of the county commissioners was to provide “the best pre-hospital care available while being fiscally responsible.” He started his report by providing basic information about the bid process.
Serving on the review committee were the following people:
- County Commissioner John Heis
- County Council President Jeff Koch
- Sheriff Major Greg Mehlbauer
- 911 Manager Jon Hundley
- Assistant Emergency Management Agency Director Bethany Luers
Three companies bid on the contract:
- Franklin County EMS (FC EMS)
- Heartland Ambulance Service (Heartland)
- Letts Volunteer Community Fire Department (Letts)
At present, FC EMS will continue to provide ambulance service until the county commissioners make a decision about a new contract.
Mr. Meadows said that Letts’ bid was “most responsive to the needs of Franklin County.” Letts was recommended, because they meet all of the criteria; they are ready to start at the paramedic level of service; they have an extensive training program and they will provide support for community activities. Their bid was also less expensive than the bid from FC EMS.
Here are details about the various bids.
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FC EMS Presented Two Options
In option one, one ambulance would be staffed with paid personnel, one ambulance would be staffed with volunteers and a chase truck would carry an advanced EMT. Mr. Schirmer later called this “a hybrid model” of employees and volunteers designed to save money for Franklin County.
FC EMS said that they would need six months to hire paramedics and to transition to a higher level of service.
In year two of the contract, FC EMS added an option 2 in which they would have two ambulances with paid staff and a chase truck. In all options, FC EMS could offer additional volunteer ambulances “when available.”
(Chart below of FC EMS bid was provided by FC EMS. Option 1 is red and Option 2 is black.)
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During the commissioners meeting, there was a difference of opinion about the bid totals for FC EMS. Subsequently, EMS Board Member Bill Schirmer contacted the consultants and the three county commissioners to explain. In a community meeting held on December 17, Mr. Schirmer also explained to about 30 people present at the EMS building. He said that FC EMS is already under a continuing contract to provide services in 2024. By July 1, 2024 FC EMS could have their paramedic hiring done and be ready to start on the new contract. Mr. Schirmer said the correct bid price for the first year was $350,000 for January to June 30 under the old contract and $766,375 for July 1 to December 31 under the new contract. The total bid price for all four years is $6,092,392, said Mr. Schirmer.
In the commissioners’ meeting on December 13, Mr. Meadows said that FC EMS was not recommended, because their proposal said they would have to hire paramedics and build that level of expertise over time. He mentioned a time frame of two years.
“A sticking point” mentioned by Commissioner Heis was that FC EMS would operate one of two guaranteed ambulances with volunteers. He claimed that there were hours or days when FC EMS had no ambulance on duty. He said that FC EMS set its schedules 30 days in advance and should have coverage.
FC EMS Board Member Bill Schirmer replied that his organization would guarantee two ambulances on duty at all times and they could staff 3 or 4 ambulances in the county, if needed.
“Good Enough For 50 Years”
Franklin County EMS, a non-profit group with 80+ volunteers, has been providing ambulance service to Franklin County since 1972. They have completed 2,881 medical runs so far in 2023.
Guarded expressions turned grim as seven volunteers with Franklin County EMS listened to the consultant give the recommendation to hire Letts. While the meeting was in process, two FC EMS volunteers were paged and left for a medical run.
The other FC EMS volunteers left the meeting room. In the hallway, 40-year volunteer Dave Stutzman said the news was “very shocking” and the commissioners did not account for the years of dedicated service of the volunteers. He disputed that FC EMS had been out of service for an entire day. He said that they might have been out of service for one hour at a time and then other volunteers stepped in to fill the gap. The schedule is set in advance, but the assigned people may have a last minute problem that they cannot report for duty.
Mr. Stutzman said that FC EMS would continue to exist and could change to doing transport service. He also mentioned that FC EMS volunteers covered every Franklin County High School football game, the county fair, the tractor show and other community events without being paid.
Another volunteer said that FC EMS was “good enough for 50 years” to serve Franklin County citizens.
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LETTS
Letts submitted only one option in their bid. It was for two ambulances staffed by two EMTs at the Basic Life Support (BLS) level and a paramedic in a chase truck.
The prices from Letts were
1st year $1,338,337
2nd year $1,460,000
3rd year $1,460,000
4th year $1,460,000
Total $5,718,337
In the meeting, Commissioner Heis said that the first year cost could be lower, because extra training costs might be removed in the final contract.
In a later interview, Mr. Morrow said that Letts provides free ambulance service for South Decatur High School football games and other non-profit community events. His organization would “embed” in the Franklin County community too. They would station an ambulance at high school footballs games, at the county fair and as needed for non-profit community events.
How Many Ambulances Are Needed?
The request for proposals required only two ambulances. Comments were made by FC EMS volunteers that Franklin County is too big of a territory to cover with only two ambulances. Both FC EMS and Letts indicated that they are able to provide additional ambulances, if needed.
In a later interview, FC EMS President Roy Rosenberger provided an example of his organization’s ability to provide additional ambulances. On Friday morning, December 15, State Road 1 was closed for a vehicle wreck. Two FC EMS ambulances responded: EMS 1 from Drewersburg and EMS 2 from Brookville. EMS 3 at Laurel was in service in case there was a third call for an ambulance.
Letts Fire Chief Matt Morrow said that his organization could provide a third ambulance when the one assigned to Margaret Mary Health in Batesville is not busy. In a later interview, he added that Letts has “on call personnel” that could also staff a third ambulance.
Fees
FC EMS does not charge a fee for “lift assistance” or for people who are deceased. They “write off” unpaid bills to individuals and do not send the bill to a collection agency.
Mr. Morrow said that Letts had to add a “lift charge” for calls to one address more than two times a month, because one person was continually calling for the ambulance workers to put a relative back in bed. Mr. Morrow added that they “write off” unpaid bills to individuals based on proof of financial hardship. Medicare and Medicaid rates are set by federal and state governments.
Heartland Ambulance Service Not Recommended
Consultant Brent Meadows provided few details about the bid from Heartland Ambulance Service. He said that the company received an unfavorable recommendation from the review committee after background checks were done and other information was discovered. No specifics were given.
“Hard Decision”
Commissioner Wilson commented, “It’s a hard decision for me to make. I’m so partial to Franklin County EMS, because years ago I and my wife did volunteer on EMS for 13 years. Those days are gone in the past and people are requiring a higher level of service now.”
Next Meeting
The commissioners tabled action on the EMS contract until their December 20 meeting at 10 am. The meeting is available to watch from home or work via Zoom access. Go to the county’s website at https://www.franklincounty.in.gov.
Reported by Sara Duffy
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“Show Me The Money”
Tax Money for EMS
“SHOW ME THE MONEY”
Over the last eight years, Franklin County has increased its spending for emergency medical services (EMS) from $150,000 in 2016 to $700,000 in 2023.
During a community meeting held on December 17 at the Franklin County EMS building in Brookville, FC EMS board members commented that they started four years ago and again two years to transition to paid paramedic employees, but there was not enough money in their contract with the county to proceed to a paramedic level of service. FC EMS Board Member Bill Schirmer said, “Show me the money” and the organization would hire paramedics. He mentoned the tax money the county collects for public safety and the new EMS tax.
PUBLIC SAFETY INCOME TAX
In 2016, Franklin County implemented a Public Safety Income Tax (PSIT) at a rate of .25%. Much of the PSIT money is spent for the county’s dispatch operation and for the sheriff department. County council also allocates money for EMS plus money for volunteer fire departments.
In 2016, the county commissioners paid Franklin County EMS $150,000 to provide the county with emergency medical service. From 2017 through 2022, the county commissioners contracted with Franklin County EMS for the same price of $300,000 although Franklin County EMS requested more money. In 2023, the commissioners increased the contract to $500,000. Later in 2023, FC EMS appealed for more money and the commissioners agreed to add $200,000 for a total of $700,000.
This fall, the commissioners signed a contract with FC EMS for 2024 for a price not to exceed $700,000. The contract has a clause that either party can cancel the contract with 90 days notice. This clause opens the door for the commissioners to sign a new contract for ambulance service.
NEW INCOME TAX FOR EMS
In October 2023, Franklin County council voted to implement a new .2% income tax that can only be spent for emergency medical service. The tax is estimated to collect $1.3 million in 2024. This money will be available to pay for a new EMS contract at a higher level of service.
The total tax collected for the Public Safety Income Tax and the new EMS Tax will be roughly $2 million in 2024.
Reported by Sara Duffy
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Franklin County School Board
December 11, 2023
- The school board celebrated the accomplishments of three individuals.
- Community survey results about Franklin County Community Schools will be presented on December 18.
- The school corporation expects a decline in future revenue.
Celebrations
Three individuals were honored at the school board meeting.
Lilly Scholar Kristen Ison
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Photo: Mother Stephanie Ison, High School Principal Mrs. South, Kristen Ison, her sister Karley, and grandparents Linda and David Stutzman.
The school board applauded Franklin County High School senior Kristen Ison for having been awarded the Lilly Scholarship allocated to Franklin County. Ms. Ison plans to attend either Notre Dame or Indiana University and become an attorney. In preparation for this goal, she interns with the county prosecutors’ office. Lacey Hudepohl, who teaches English at the high school, is the teacher who most inspired Ms. Ison.
Educator of the Month Chelsea Stenger
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Superintendent Tammy Chavis congratulated Ms. Stenger who is a 4th grade teacher at Mt. Carmel School with 18 years as a teacher at Franklin County Community School Corporation. She was honored for being “a great role model for our students as well as newer teachers.” Click to read more.
Support Staff of the Month Randy Edwards
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Director of Operations Keith Isaacs honored Mr. Edwards who has been employed with FCCSC for 19 years and has worked at the high school for half of that time. He was recognized for his many talents and his hard work in helping both students and staff. He also drives a school bus. Click to read more.
Survey Results
The results of a community survey about Franklin County Community Schools will be presented at the Brookville Library on December 18 at 4:15 pm. Over 300 people completed the survey.
Finances - Decline in Future Revenue Expected
Board President Francis Brumback asked for an explanation of the finances. Business Manager Kendra Franks said that the administration “restructured” school finances and built up a reserve during the pandemic. Nevertheless, these actions will not overcome a decline in future revenue. One federal pandemic grant ended last week and the other grant will be depleted by the end of the school year.
The operations fund balance, which gets revenue from property taxes, has dropped by $500,000 since last year at this time. The operations fund currently has enough money to pay bills for six months, said Ms. Franks. The operations would have been in the red without the recent receipt of $2.3 million from property taxes collected in November.
The education fund, which comes from the state, has a balance of $4.4 million, which is enough money to pay bills for eight months.
Going forward, the school corporation will likely have to dip into the reserve it accumulated during the pandemic. Part of the reserve is a $1 million certificate of deposit that the school board voted to renew for 12 months at a rate of 5% at Bath State Bank.
The school’s cafeteria fund balance has declined by $210,000, because reimbursements from the federal government have been delayed since September 2023. This happens every fall, said Ms. Franks. Congress failed to pass a new budget and is under a continuing resolution. The federal government will run out of money again in mid-January 2024 if a budget is not passed.
Personnel
Franklin County High School will continue to offer Chinese language classes for college credits. Director of Operations Keith Isaacs was able to hire two part time instructors on a temporary basis to replace one teacher who resigned. He will search for a permanent Chinese language instructor for next school year. Click to see the list of 32 dual college credit courses offered at the high school.
Book Removal Form
The school board approved a form that citizens may submit to request a review and possible removal of a course book or library book.
Filing a School Board Vacancy
The Franklin County School Board consists of seven members of which four current members were elected and three were appointed after a seat became vacant. The school board spent about 15 minutes discussing a new policy for advertising and filling a future school board vacancy. Board Members Brandy Wilson and Jessica Brennan spoke in favor of allowing board members to abstain from voting. There were different opinions and no vote was taken. The Indiana Code requires that the school board select a new member within 30 days of a member leaving office. Otherwise the circuit court judge appoints a new school board member.
Appointments
The school board voted in favor of Board Member Kevin Kaiser representing them on the Brookville Redevelopment Commission and Sara Duffy on the Franklin County Redevelopment Commission.
Legislative Update
Board Member Kaiser reported that an Indiana court case is headed to the United States Supreme Court about bathrooms that transgender students use. This summer, the 7th United States Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of allowing transgender students to use the bathroom that matched their gender identity rather than their gender at birth.
The next school board meeting will be Monday, January 8, at 7:00 pm. Remote viewing is available. Go online to live stream.
Reported by Sara Duffy
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Unsafe Building Ordinance Passed
County Commissioners December 13, 2023
- A federal grant will provide money for security improvements.
- The commissioners issued an unsafe building and unsafe premises ordinance.
- Daryl Kramer was appointed to serve as the county sewer coordinator.
More Security for County buildings
Emergency Management Agency Director Amy Lindsey announced good news that she secured a $150,000 federal grant for protective equipment and no matching money will be required from the county. The grant includes:
- $133,000 for mass notification alert systems at county government buildings,
- $2,000 for locking devices for doors,
- $12,500 bullet resistant film for windows, and
- $2,500 for an emergency control panel for an interior security gate in Franklin County High School.
Unsafe Building Ordinance
After a few months of waiting for the final language, the commissioners passed a new unsafe building and unsafe premises ordinance. The county previously had such an ordinance but repealed it, because the earlier one was “not friendly to use,” said Commissioner Wilson. The Area Planning executive director will oversee enforcement with assistance from the building inspector. If a property owner does not correct a violation, the county can hire a contractor to seal the building, demolish the building, clear trash/debris and take other actions. Costs will be assessed and collected from the property owner. Click to read the new 13-page ordinance.
County Sewer Coordinator
Daryl Kramer was appointed to serve as the county sewer coordinator. It was noted that he would advise the county commissioners and he would not make final decisions about sewers.
Contracts & Deed
The commissioners signed a three-month addendum to the 2023 contract with Franklin County EMS that pays them an additional $50,000 per month from September through December 2023.
They also renewed a yearly contract for $4,500 with Midwest Data for information technology support.
The commissioners authorized a deed to the town of Brookville for the former state highway garage land on Mill Street in exchange for a $50,000 payment. This deed was part of three-way deal with the county, town and Indiana Department of Transportation in 2021.
Storm Water Control Plan from Purdue University
For several meetings, the commissioners have been discussing how to handle storm water. They recently received a plan developed by Purdue University and already adopted by some Indiana counties.
The commissioners talked about controlling the quantity of storm water runoff and the quality of the runoff. The example of quality control was not allowing trash disposal in waterways. Under this plan, the county would not do water quality testing of storm water.
The storm water control process would begin in the Area Planning office and could involve both the county surveyor and the drainage board. There would be no administrative appeal process. Residents would have to file suit in court, if they disagree with the decision of county officials.
County Surveyor Rob Seig said that this plan would require a permit before an owner disturbs over one acre of ground. He compared it to “Rule 5” from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
Bridge Projects
County Engineer Larry Smith reported the steel super structure for Pocket Road Bridge would arrive on December 22.
Mr. Smith asked the commissioners to approve a bid of $31,286 from OLCO, Inc. to install a concrete box culvert on Bessler Road. The county highway department’s equipment is not big enough to do the job. From the audience, County Councilmember Brian Patterson wanted the project put on hold while more bids are obtained. Mr. Smith offered several reasons as rebuttal why the county should proceed with hiring OLCO. However, the commissioners took no action.
The county will be eligible to apply for a larger Community Crossing Grant (CCG) of $1.5 million in 2024. The county’s share would increase from $333,000 to $500,000. Councilmember Patterson remarked “absolutely” that the county should apply for a larger grant.
Mr. Smith suggested applying for $1 million in CCG money for paving roads in district 3 on the west side of the county.
Commissioner Wilson wants to spend any remaining CCG money in 2024 on replacing a small bridge.
Commissioner Heis wants to replace the Richland Creek Bridge that was washed away in July 2023. Mr. Smith estimated that the creek would require a 55-foot or 60-foot long bridge at a cost of $500,000. He added that the bridge design work must be completed before applying for CCG money.
Councilmember Patterson and Mr. Smith then went back and forth about Patterson directing Smith to start work last month on a hydrology study of Richland Creek. Commissioner Wilson cut off discussion.
Federally Funded Purchases
Federal grant money from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) continues to provide the county with needed items. At this meeting, the commissioners used ARPA money to pay the following bills:
- $135,407 4-H Exhibit Building
- $19,600 Brackney for parking lot collapse
- $17,939 Amberger for concrete
- $6,484 Cedar Grove Volunteer Fire Department for equipment
- $4,557 IMI for concrete
- $2,650 DLZ Engineering for handicapped entrance
- $2,200 Jim Dunbar for Animal Shelter design
The next regular commissioners meeting will be December 20 at 10 am. Zoom access is available to watch from home or work. Go to the county’s website at https://www.franklincounty.in.gov.
Reported by Sara Duffy
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Busy Year for Public Transportation
& Senior Center
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Missy Ratz, director of Franklin County Public Transportation (FCPT) and the Senior Center, updated the county commissioners about the many accomplishments of these two organizations.
FCPT has almost returned to the same level of ridership as before the pandemic with 20,000 rides this year. They recently hired three more drivers. A used vehicle was purchased and a new eight-passenger vehicle will arrive in 2024. Both buildings have new roofs that were paid for by the county. The senior center was rented for events during 44 weeks this year.
Senior Center staff delivered 550 meals on wheels per month and served 175 meals per month in the building for a price of $2.50 or a donation. The senior center provided 225 boxes of food to senior citizens on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 10 am to 11:30 am. Senior citizens are invited to eat lunch and play bingo on Thursdays from 10 am to 12 noon. Transportation is available by calling 765-647-3509. Click to read more.
Reported by Sara Duffy
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Firewood permits available at
Brookville Lake & Whitewater Memorial SP
The public is invited to cut certain downed trees at Brookville Lake and Whitewater Memorial State Park for firewood.
Trees eligible for firewood have fallen as a result of natural causes or have been dropped by property staff. They are along roadsides or in public areas such as campsites and picnic areas.
Permit sales are ongoing and end Jan. 31. The cost of one pickup-truck load is $10. All proceeds will be used for resource management and restoration efforts, including replacement of trees in campgrounds and other public areas.
A firewood permit must be obtained for each load at the park office between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Mounds State Recreation Area office. Permits are not available on observed state holidays.
Wood may be cut and removed between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. daily. For more information, call 765-458-5565.
Firewood cut at Brookville Lake and Whitewater Memorial State Park is for personal use only and cannot be sold.
Mounds SRA at Brookville Lake (on.IN.gov/brookvillelake) is at 14108 State Road 101, Brookville.
Whitewater Memorial State Park (on.IN.gov/whitewatermemorial), is at 1418 S. State Road 101, Liberty.
Submitted by Indiana Department of Natural Resources
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Walk/Bike Off the Holidays
Join us on Monday January 1, at 1 pm to Walk/Bike Off the Holidays. We will gather at Third Place in Metamora for food and drinks then go for a brisk walk or bike ride on the scenic Whitewater Canal Trail. Start the New Year with family and friends and a good time.
Submitted by Shirley Lamb
Whitewater Canal Trail
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The new 13-week program begins Jan 8th at a new location - the Franklin County Senior Center. Click for all the details.
Submitted by Kathy Bauman
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Southeast Indiana Health Center - Free Clinic
We provide No-Cost, primary care services to residents of Franklin or Ripley County, Indiana on Tuesdays at our permanent location in Batesville and on Thursdays in our mobile clinic. No appointment needed. Call 812-932-4515 for times and locations.
1st Thursday of the month Brookville
2nd Thursday Versailles
3rd Thursday Laurel
4th Thursday Milan
Submitted by Bev Metze
Redlife Food Bank in Brookville
Open every second and fourth Thursday from 4 pm - 6 pm and the third Saturday from 10 am - 12 noon. Please bring your own containers.
Submitted by Judy Drake
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Submitted by Margaret Mary Health & Stayin' Alive
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