Board approves three‑year Johnson Controls service agreement, staff seek Indiana‑law governing clause

The Franklin City Board of Public Works and Safety on June 1 approved a three‑year service agreement with Johnson Controls for alarm monitoring and the keycard system used at city facilities, with an instruction that the contract be governed by Indiana law.

Len, speaking for the city, said he removed numerous unfavorable contract provisions and left a remaining price‑increase clause that Johnson Controls would not eliminate but said it would modify to reflect Indiana law. "I don't know that I've ever worked so hard on the $7,200 contract as this one," Len said, noting the company is out‑of‑state and had terms tied to its website and other jurisdictions. He said the vendor has the contractual right to raise prices under limited circumstances but has not historically exercised that right.

Board members asked about current spend levels and whether alternative vendors would require equipment changes; staff said the existing system is proprietary and moving vendors could require substantial hardware replacement. The board voted to approve the three‑year contract with the incorporation of Indiana law; Johnson Controls will continue alarm monitoring and keycard services under the renewed terms.