Council hears briefing on regional training facility; decision deferred to April

Council members received an informational briefing on the Regional Training Facility (RTF) study and membership options, and asked staff to return with department-specific usage and cost comparisons before deciding whether to continue membership.

Staff shared findings from a 2024 study and two presentations prepared for the RTF. The study included current members (Belle Plaine, Elko, Jordan, New Prague, Prior Lake/Savage, Shakopee, SMSC, Scott County) and suggested future scenarios for facility improvements. Staff said New Prague’s current membership cost is $8,300 per year and that study estimates project a possible member cost of about $11,000 per year starting in 2027 if the reserve fund is exhausted and deficit is eliminated.

Police representatives said the department uses the facility roughly four to six times a year for shooting, use-of-force and defensive-tactics training; they are tracking exact usage and rental rates for other nearby facilities to compare options. Staff noted the county owns the property and that if members withdraw, remaining members would likely see higher costs unless they rent the facility back for specific events. The county and some founding members have considered changing participation models; Carver County previously switched from member to renter status.

Council did not decide on membership. Staff said the next major regional discussion is scheduled for April and that they would report back with more detailed usage, rental-rate comparisons and a recommended 'break point' (the maximum annual membership cost the city is willing to pay).