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Sheriff proposes county-owned site for regional outdoor training center; commissioners direct staff to develop concept
Summary
Cass County Sheriff proposed using a county-owned FEMA buyout lot southeast of Durban for a regional outdoor firearms and tactical training center. Commissioners approved a motion directing staff to develop a concept and return with plans, while staff noted FEMA deed restrictions and the need for township and neighbor outreach.
Sheriff Johnner asked the board to consider development of a regional outdoor training center on county‑owned property southeast of Durban that is currently a FEMA flood‑buyout lot.
The sheriff described a facility for rifle and handgun training, a tactical training structure for room‑clearing and critical‑incident response, and other training functions county law enforcement and mutual‑aid partners now perform at scattered indoor and outdoor ranges. He said the county road department could assist with low‑cost initial site work and that the concept could be developed over several years to limit near‑term expense.
Staff cautioned that the parcel was purchased with FEMA funds after a flood and that FEMA’s agreement may constrain certain uses; staff suggested potential paths forward, including requesting variances or seeking formal FEMA approval for a change of use. The sheriff said he would consult the township and nearby residents and emphasized the county’s aim to be a good neighbor given potential noise impacts.
The board voted to direct staff to develop a concept and bring back formal plans for review and possible approval. Commissioners asked staff to check FEMA deed restrictions and to include township outreach and nearby‑resident notification as part of the concept work.
