MONDAY, May 18, 2026 |
Photo – Rawlins Public Works Department – Bigfoot 99 file photo
Rawlins officials raised questions about additional applications for the city’s sewer‑inspection camera system.
As reported by Bigfoot99 and Bandit102, the Rawlins City Council allocated $135,336.64 to upgrade the Public Works Department’s sewer‑inspection trailer. The system uses a camera‑equipped robotic crawler to identify problems within the city’s sewer lines, including cracks, root intrusions, or blockages.
Speaking at the April 21st Rawlins City Council meeting, Public Works Director Cody Dill said his department’s sewer inspection equipment, essential for maintaining the city’s sewer system, is significantly outdated.
Dill said a new camera trailer can cost upward of $300,000. Instead, the public works director asked to upgrade the equipment on the city’s existing trailer for a significant savings.
The Rawlins City Council unanimously approved a $135,000 bid from CUE Incorporated to improve the Public Works Department’s sewer‑inspection trailer. Funding for the project was already included in the public works department’s annual budget.
At the following City Council meeting on May 5th, Councilwoman Tonya Lewman asked about other potential uses for the sewer inspection camera.
According to the Carbon County Museum, the first Rawlins Cemetery was established in 1871 and located behind the original courthouse, north of Spruce Street. In 1884, the city opened the current cemetery on what is now 3rd Street. Residents were instructed to exhume their friends and family from the old courthouse cemetery and transfer them to the new location. Moving all the graves took almost 17 years.
In a July 2025 presentation to the City Council, Rawlins Administrative Assistant Sonia Gamblin explained that many grave registrations have been lost over the cemetery’s 150‑year history. Gamblin said crews often find undocumented bodies while digging new graves, an emotionally distressing situation.
Given those circumstances, Councilwoman Lewman’s question was not unwarranted.
Back at the May 5th meeting, Public Works Director Dill said the camera trailer is mainly for inspecting pipes and other underground infrastructure. However, Dill said the Public Works Department will attempt to purchase a ground penetrating radar system this year to help identify buried materials.
Councilwoman Lewman said knowing what is underground, before crews start digging, will save the city time and money. Public Works Director Dill agreed, saying that is the reason he requested funding for a ground‑penetrating radar system in next year’s budget.
