Board approves ambulance staffing agreement with Bargersville after SEALs appeals to continue service
March 17, 2026 | Franklin City, Johnson County, Indiana
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The Board of Public Works and Safety voted March 16 to approve a staffing and operations agreement that will shift the city’s ambulance service to the Bargersville Community Fire Protection District, with an expected start in July.
City attorney Lynn Gregg presented the draft agreement and the administration urged the change to improve billing rates and collections. “Bargersville is willing to take on the responsibility beginning in July,” Gregg said, asking the board for consideration of the contract.
SEALs Ambulance Vice President Charlie Caufield addressed the board and described SEALs’ local presence. “Our team has had a tremendous amount of gratitude being entrusted to provide emergency medical services to this community for over 16 years,” Caufield said, adding that SEALs staffed three dedicated ambulances and had provided service “at no cost to the city” aside from user fees. Caufield also told the board he believes the contract paperwork in his files extended through Aug. 16, 2027.
City staff said the proposed change was intended to lower typical billing charges and to improve revenue recovery. Preston (deputy fire chief) said the city expected lower billing rates under the Bargersville arrangement: “We’re looking about half of the cost on billing right off the top on what an EMS call [charges under SEALs],” he told the board.
Board members questioned whether there would be any lapse in service if SEALs and the city did not reach a new agreement. Gregg and staff said there was not expected to be a lapse and that mutual-aid arrangements could cover shortfalls, with Bargersville indicating it could provide support if needed.
After discussion, a board member moved to approve the agreement providing staffing and ambulance operations between the city and Bargersville Community Fire Protection District as presented; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
The board did not release contract details in the meeting beyond the implementation timing and the administration’s stated intent to lower billing costs. SEALs’ offer to continue operations, and Caufield’s assertion about his contract’s expiration date, were entered into the record. The agreement will move forward as approved by the board.
City attorney Lynn Gregg presented the draft agreement and the administration urged the change to improve billing rates and collections. “Bargersville is willing to take on the responsibility beginning in July,” Gregg said, asking the board for consideration of the contract.
SEALs Ambulance Vice President Charlie Caufield addressed the board and described SEALs’ local presence. “Our team has had a tremendous amount of gratitude being entrusted to provide emergency medical services to this community for over 16 years,” Caufield said, adding that SEALs staffed three dedicated ambulances and had provided service “at no cost to the city” aside from user fees. Caufield also told the board he believes the contract paperwork in his files extended through Aug. 16, 2027.
City staff said the proposed change was intended to lower typical billing charges and to improve revenue recovery. Preston (deputy fire chief) said the city expected lower billing rates under the Bargersville arrangement: “We’re looking about half of the cost on billing right off the top on what an EMS call [charges under SEALs],” he told the board.
Board members questioned whether there would be any lapse in service if SEALs and the city did not reach a new agreement. Gregg and staff said there was not expected to be a lapse and that mutual-aid arrangements could cover shortfalls, with Bargersville indicating it could provide support if needed.
After discussion, a board member moved to approve the agreement providing staffing and ambulance operations between the city and Bargersville Community Fire Protection District as presented; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
The board did not release contract details in the meeting beyond the implementation timing and the administration’s stated intent to lower billing costs. SEALs’ offer to continue operations, and Caufield’s assertion about his contract’s expiration date, were entered into the record. The agreement will move forward as approved by the board.
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