Friday, DECEMBER 12, 2025 |
Photo – Rawlins City Hall – Bigfoot99 file photo
One Rawlins City Council member questioned giving employee bonuses while the city faces a budget crisis.
During the December 2nd Rawlins City Council meeting, Councilman Steve Sanger introduced a measure to amend the fiscal budget, allocating $52,499.16 in compliance pay for city employees. Although called compliance pay, Mayor Jacquelin Wells clarified that it is technically a holiday bonus.
According to documents provided by the city, the majority of the bonus money, nearly $16,000, is designated for the police and fire departments. The remaining $36,500 will be distributed among the city’s public works, streets, recreation, and utilities departments.
Councilman Derek Elliot asked why the bonuses were not included when the budget was set in June. Interim City Manager Matt Hall explained that the matter is traditionally brought up for a vote to allow the governing body to decide whether the compliance pay is warranted.
Councilman Elliot said that in better times he would support the measure. However, the councilman said he believes the city isn’t in a financial position to take $52,000 out of the general budget for the holiday bonuses.
The City of Rawlins is facing a budget shortfall driven by more than $50 million in water infrastructure projects, including renovations to the Sage Creek Springs transmission line, replacement of a high‑pressure water pipe under Interstate 80, and installation of two new water storage tanks. In addition, the city contributed over $2 million from its reserves and impact assistance funds toward the $10 million Edinburgh Street rebuild project.
No other council members commented on the matter and a vote was called. The budget amendment passed, with Councilman Elliot voting in opposition of the measure.
