Board approves $364,830 firearms-range targeting system upgrade; member recuses

The Sedgwick County Board of Bids and Contracts approved June 25 a $364,830 purchase of an electric range target system from Action Target using a Sourcewell contract to upgrade the county law enforcement firearms range at Lake Gaffney.

Lee Barrier, on behalf of the Sheriff's Office, said the current pneumatic target system is more than 30 years old, failing, and increasingly difficult to repair because replacement parts are hard to obtain. "The current range target system ... is over 30 years old and is failing. It has become increasingly difficult to buy parts to repair the current system," Barrier said.

A board member disclosed employment with the Sheriff's Office and recused from the discussion. A motion to utilize the Sourcewell contract with Action Target for $364,830 was moved and seconded. During roll call one member was recorded as abstaining; three ayes were recorded and the motion carried.

Colonel Allen (on the line) said the range is used primarily by the Wichita Police Department and the Sheriff's Office, that outside small-town agencies occasionally use the range, and that the county currently authorizes their use without charging a fee; a board member noted WPD will reimburse half of the upgrade cost.

Staff provided no detailed timeline for installation in the meeting record; follow-up steps include contract execution and coordination with law enforcement users.