More buck for your bang? Bay County Shooting Range prices raised to 'break even'
BAY COUNTY — Patrons of the Bay County Shooting Range soon will see a slight price increase.
The Bay County Commission recently approved a $2 increase proposed by the gun range. The commission also authorized staff to work with the FWC to allow for a maximum increase of 3% to the fee and fine schedule during each budget cycle if necessary.
The price increase is the first for the gun range since opening in 2014, said Commissioner Philip Griffitts.
The new rates will be:
From $10 to $12 for daily range use.
From $15 to $17 for 300-yard use.
All children under 15 will remain free.
Dozier said the increase is just to break even on costs, since the gun range was on track to lose money.
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“I wanted to explain that this increase is to break even, this is not an increase to continue to grow any revenue stream other than breaking even,” Dozier said. “The information we received shows that we’re on track to lose money at the gun range and for all the good services that they do, I think it’s prudent that we break even at least so we don’t have to look somewhere else to raise the money for the gun range.”
Dozier agreed that the gun range, and other entities, need to pay for themselves, so he believes this is a good solution.
County Manager Bob Majka said the 3% increase to the fee and fine schedule is not automatic and will be required to be brought in front of the commission.
Commissioner Tommy Hamm said the rate increase is minimal for all the features patrons get.
“Personally, the $2 rate increase is minimal,” Hamm said. “This is for a day, use of the range for a day.”
Dozier said he has received positive feedback from those who run the gun range and those who frequent it.
“They do a great job, I’m proud,” Dozier said. “The feedback I’ve received from FWC, the people who utilize the facility, are always telling us about the professionalism at FWC.”
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Bay County Shooting Range sees price hike as costs rise
