Davis County outlines plan to reorganize county shooting range for law enforcement, public use

Curtis Koch, Davis County auditor, on Oct. 14 presented a plan to reorganize the county shooting range into three distinct areas with law enforcement training as the primary use, followed by public outreach and then club recreational access. Koch said the proposal is intended to preserve the range for training while allowing controlled public and club access.

"The primary purpose of this range is going to be for law enforcement training," Koch said as he outlined the draft site plan. He described Area 1 as dedicated, full‑time law enforcement use; Area 2 as mixed use with weekday law enforcement priority and evening public outreach; and Area 3 as a club/volunteer‑managed area that would rely on vetted range officers.

Koch and information‑systems staff said the county needs security cameras, internet access and an online payment system to move away from cash. Koch estimated roughly $26,000 in one‑time information‑technology and camera costs and about $5,000 a year in ongoing IT expenses. He also presented a preliminary operating picture that included staffing, utilities and fees and said "you need $94,000 to run this ongoing." IS staff said a connection exists on site and estimated a four‑ to six‑week timeline to install cameras and related systems if that work is prioritized.

Commissioners discussed infrastructure improvements — grading, berm rebuilding, drainage work, parking reconfiguration and gates — and a contractor in the meeting offered to bring millings from future road projects to help improve parking areas at limited cost. Officials said short‑term work (grading and road base) could be completed in about four weeks, with additional future investments such as sewer, water and restrooms likely to require substantially more funding.

The plan also contemplates a volunteer range‑officer model to staff club and public periods, but commissioners and staff raised questions about recruitment, training and liability. Koch said range officers would be selected and vetted, and that clubs using on‑site storage would pay an annual fee to use "Club Row." There was discussion of insurance arrangements and whether visiting law enforcement agencies should carry their own coverage for training sessions.

Several city officials expressed interest in partnering or contributing; Doreen Kamado noted Farmington's mayor and others had indicated possible support. Commissioners urged staff to convene local police chiefs and to tour other county ranges (Weber County was suggested) before committing to large capital outlays.

Next steps: staff were asked to coordinate a work session and an on‑site tour as soon as calendars allow, to get additional input from police chiefs, to have attorneys review liability and agreement language, and to refine cost and revenue estimates. No final policy or formal funding decision was made at the meeting.