The Iron County Commission voted to approve proposed fee updates across county parks Monday, but the meeting exposed tensions over scheduling, safety and upkeep at the county shooting range.

Parks Director Maria and Bryce presented a package of modest fee adjustments intended to standardize rates across facilities and better align user fees with maintenance costs. Recommendations included splitting group‑bay rentals at the county shooting range, modest $5 increases for many pavilions, a revised weekend reservation policy, and updated group campsite rates at 3 Peaks and Wood Ranch. Staff said most proposed increases were conservative compared with nearby jurisdictions and that the county still plans to subsidize the parks.

During public comment, a cluster of shooting‑range users and organizers — led by Pat Brower of Iron Mountain Training Group and others involved in practical shooting matches — said they were notified late about the fee proposal and asked the commission to pause final adoption until users could review how additional revenue would be used. They submitted more than 30 emails from local shooters and business owners asking for clearer commitments that fee revenue would fund specific improvements: improved drainage for the group bays that puddle after rain, additional shooting bays to allow larger matches, covered concrete pads and storage, and better scheduling options to balance public use and organized events.

Parks staff described recent and planned improvements to the range — new fencing, repaired front gates, weed removal, and proposed concrete/awning pads and bay extensions — and identified technical constraints: south‑facing bays have ricochet issues and require careful grading, and part of the current range abuts law enforcement training areas that limit unfettered public access. Staff said some improvements (drainage culverts, grading) are feasible and already on their radar; larger expansions require site access and planning and, in some cases, coordination with BLM and the sheriff’s office.

Commissioner Speaker 5 moved to approve the fee changes; Speaker 4 seconded and the motion passed by voice vote. Several range advocates said they will request a future agenda slot to present a detailed plan and nonprofit structure to partner with the county on improvements.

What’s next: Parks staff said they will continue to consult with range users and may bring return proposals for specific capital work; interested groups were encouraged to schedule a formal agenda item to present plans and timelines.