Lake Clark Shores approves up to $5,000 to help Ocean Ridge firearms range improvements

Council considered a request from the Ocean Ridge police chief for assistance with improvements to a firearm/range facility the town uses for police training. The town manager said Ocean Ridge initially reported roughly $100,000 in needed improvements but had reduced the request to about $24,000; Ocean Ridge offered to continue providing the training facility for free to Lake Clark Shores.

Council discussed the long‑standing partnership; one council member said the relationship saved the town “thousands every year.” After discussion, a motion to contribute $5,000 to the Town of Ocean Ridge for the range passed unanimously. Councilmembers also encouraged the police chief to pursue forfeiture funds as a possible reimbursement source and noted the contribution could be revisited if the town later secured other funds.

Discussion: council discussed the ongoing training relationship with Ocean Ridge and the town’s cost savings. Decision: the council approved a contribution of $5,000 to Ocean Ridge for the firearm range, with the understanding the town and police would explore forfeiture or other funds for reimbursement.