The issue of the city regaining control of the Roanoke Rapids Theatre from Lafayette Gatling may soon be resolved.

“That could be coming to an end very, very soon,” City Manager Paul Sabiston said today.

The city agreed last month to end its contract with Gatling to buy the theater through a lease arrangement after the Chicago businessman got behind on his payments and produced few shows.

Since then there have been several closed session meetings on the matter and thus far no plans have been voted on.

Sabiston said the city contends Gatling has no equity in the theater and will begin looking at both short and longterm proposals to operate the venue once the control issue is resolved.

Offers to run the venue have been coming in since the city announced on April 26 it was ending its deal with Gatling. The city’s response has been it wants to hear from those who have sent proposals or made phone calls once the control issue is resolved.

Meanwhile, as the city works to regain control, it will look at different funding options for the venue, including a 1-cent sales tax. “We’re not sure it can be done for this year, but something down the road,” Sabiston said.

The city manager declined to comment on unconfirmed reports Gatling offered to buy the theater for $9 million.