City Council Discusses Outdoor Shooting Range for Significant Cost Savings

The City Council Workshop held on August 26, 2025, in Beaumont focused on several key topics, primarily concerning the design and functionality of a new public safety building, including a proposed shooting range for police training.

During the meeting, concerns were raised about the building's flat roofs, which could lead to long-term maintenance issues such as leaks and cracks. Council members expressed a desire to explore alternative roofing options, particularly favoring raised metal roofs for their durability. The importance of natural light in the building's design was also highlighted, with discussions about ensuring that workspaces, particularly dispatch areas, are well-lit and not isolated.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on the proposed shooting range, which is estimated to cost $5.2 million, with an additional $1.8 million for equipment. Council members considered the potential savings of approximately $7 million if the range were to be eliminated. Alternatives such as outdoor ranges were suggested, which could provide cost efficiencies and allow for tactical training in real-world conditions. The idea of reducing the number of shooting bays from six to a smaller number was also discussed, with the aim of balancing training needs and budget constraints.

The council members acknowledged the importance of effective training for officers while exploring ways to minimize costs without compromising safety and training quality. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further investigate the feasibility of outdoor training options and to refine the building's design to enhance functionality and reduce expenses.

Overall, the workshop underscored the council's proactive approach to addressing community safety needs while being mindful of budgetary considerations. Further discussions and planning are expected as the project progresses.