Wednesday, April 8, 2026 |
Photo – Rawlins City Hall – Bigfoot99 file photo
A Rawlins City Council member clarified misunderstood rental prices.
Earlier this year, Rawlins City Council Ward One member Derek Elliot announced the closure of several local businesses, including two restaurants and a laundromat. Councilman Elliot explained that the loss of those services has had a negative impact on residents.
During the March 17th Rawlins City Council meeting, Councilman Elliot said he had contacted the owners of the Rawlins Plaza on West Spruce Street to ask about renting an unused portion of the shopping center as part of his effort to attract more businesses to the city. The Ward One representative said that if the price was low enough, the space could serve as a city-funded community activity center. However, he reported that the property owners appear to expect nearly $100,000 a month in rent.
On Sunday evening, Councilman Elliot posted a video to social media where he acknowledged that he gave incorrect information during the March 17th meeting. The Ward One representative explained that he confused the annual rent price with the monthly amount.
Councilman Elliot added that the property owners were asking $187,760 a year for the 18,000‑square‑foot adjoining storefront, which was formerly a grocery store.
The Ward One representative said he misinterpreted the prices the property owners had given him and that he intended to make the correction during last night’s Rawlins City Council meeting.
Councilman Elliot thanked fellow council member Tonya Lewman for pointing out his error.
