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Treasure County commissioners approve grant pursuit to finish fire hall and study indoor shooting range
Summary
Commissioners voted to pursue grant funding and accept contractor estimates to finish the county's fire hall project and explore a multiuse indoor shooting range and community uses, directing staff to apply for grants and return with details.
Treasure County commissioners voted on April 1 to pursue grant funding and accept presented estimates to finish renovation work at the county's fire hall, and to explore installing an indoor shooting range for local programs and hunter-safety training.
The board approved staff moving forward with grant applications and contractor work as presented at the meeting. Commissioners said they favored projects that would make the building usable for multiple community groups, including youth shooting and hunter-safety programs, and that would keep equipment and activity in town.
Why it matters: county leaders said the renovated fire hall is intended to become a multiuse asset for the community, hosting emergency services, training and recreational programs. Commissioners and staff repeatedly framed the work as an opportunity to attract events and improve local amenities without repeatedly asking volunteers or private residents to store equipment.
Most of the discussion focused on three practical issues: whether vehicles stored in the building could be moved quickly when needed for response, the project's budget and phasing, and ventilation/exhaust systems required for firearm use. Commissioners asked staff to prioritize grant applications for ventilation, a possible exhaust/filtration system for higher-caliber shooting, and to design storage so fire vehicles could be accessed without delay.
Staff described technical needs for a 22-caliber range (50-foot shooting line, backstops, and an exhaust system) and said lower-power air-rifle and archery activities already occur off site. Commissioners approved pursuing grant funds and authorized staff to proceed with the bid package and contractor commitments presented.
The board also directed staff to gather design details about heating/venting, storage layout so emergency apparatus can be removed quickly, and costs for concrete and utility hookups. Commissioners asked staff to return with written cost estimates and a plan that identifies which departments and community groups would use the finished space.
Next steps: staff will pursue grant opportunities, refine scope and budgeting, and return to the commission with detailed bids and a funding plan before signing final contracts. The board emphasized they would avoid committing county dollars beyond the sums presented without additional authorization.
