Council hears concerns about a proposed $6.5 million firing range, manager stresses design and cost controls

Council members raised questions about a proposed $6.5 million firing range included in the CIP and suggested the city consider a scaled-down alternative or reallocate funds to other priorities such as the library. The concern was raised as part of broader questions about which projects residents prefer when revenues are constrained.

Councilwoman Snead relayed constituent calls urging caution: she said some residents worried the city might be spending $6,500,000 on a state-of-the-art range when a smaller facility might suffice. City Manager Mary Bunting replied that the project is in preliminary design and that earlier, less elaborate estimates from 10–15 years ago were roughly $5,000,000 "without bells and whistles." Bunting said the city would get refined cost estimates during the design phase and would seek to value-engineer where possible while ensuring the police department’s training needs are met.

Vice Mayor Gray framed the firing-range decision as a neighborhood-quality issue, saying the current range is in a North Hampton neighborhood and relocating it would reduce noise for nearby childcare and community centers. Bunting also noted the city hopes to pursue regional partnerships and possible lease revenue to offset costs, though she cautioned negotiations were at an early stage.

Council members asked staff to ensure the firing-range budget contains only necessary elements and not extras. "They just wanted us to just make sure that we were spending the $6,500,000 for what was necessary and not for things that were extra," Councilwoman Snead said. Staff said they would continue cost-estimating and report back.