Monday, OCTOBER 6, 2025 |
Photo – Rawlins City Hall – Bigfoot99 file photo
The governing body of Rawlins has agreed to hire a new Interim City Manager. The name of the city’s new head will be announced at Tuesday’s regular meeting of the Rawlins City Council.
Since City Manager Tom Sarvey left the position at the beginning of August for a stay of extended medical leave, two city officials have filled in during Sarvey’s absence.
Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Pam Thayer was the first person chosen by the council to serve as temporary City Manager. Thayer’s time as Acting City Manager was short-lived, as on August 11th, the City Council held a special meeting to choose her replacement.
Following a closed-door executive session, Councilwoman Tonya Lewan moved to appoint Rawlins Police Chief Mike Ward as the new Acting City Manager.
Chief Ward said he understood his time as Acting City Manager was temporary, and that he was simply filling the role while Tom Sarvey recovered. However, the Chief said he was eager to return to the police station.
During the city council’s September 26th special meeting, the governing body authorized Mayor Jacquelin Wells to enter into a contract with an Interim City Manager candidate. The candidate’s name was not disclosed, and the matter was not discussed further. Additional details are expected to be shared at the Council’s next meeting on October 7th.
Of the ten incorporated municipalities in Carbon County, Rawlins is the only one operating under a City Manager form of government. Unlike the traditional Mayor and Council system, the Rawlins City Council sets policy and appoints a City Manager to carry out its decisions. The City Manager oversees budgeting, staffing, infrastructure, and the day-to-day operations of the city.
