Commissioners clear use of $100,000 award for ATVs and authorize a shooting‑range study; budget amendment approved

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners approved spending actions for a $100,000 award recently granted to the sheriff’s office.

Undersheriff Brian Snyder told the board that the department proposes two near‑term projects if the county authorizes spending: replacing two aging search‑and‑rescue all‑terrain vehicles and buying a trailer (estimated maximum $35,000), and building a modest firing range/structure at an existing county rock‑pit parcel near Juniper. Snyder estimated site preparation for the proposed range could cost roughly $65,000, but emphasized the figure is preliminary because formal bids have not been solicited.

Commissioners authorized the ATV purchase (up to $35,000) and directed the sheriff and staff to develop a detailed plan and cost estimate for the shooting range, including projected ongoing operational and maintenance costs, possible public access models and liability/insurance considerations. Snyder said the sheriff’s office would pursue procurement rules and potentially coordinate with Boardman Police and other local agencies on shared use or cost‑sharing.

Because the grant expenditures were not budgeted, the board approved Resolution R‑2024‑17 to adjust the FY2025 appropriations to allow the sheriff’s office to spend the awarded funds under board direction. Staff said a future item would present exact contract awards or purchase orders once procurement is complete.

Commissioners expressed support for the ATV replacements and cautious interest in the range, asking staff to investigate public‑access models used elsewhere and to provide estimates of ongoing maintenance and staffing costs before any public opening.

The motions passed unanimously and staff will return with specific bids and a draft contract or purchase orders for the board’s review.