The city is considering a new fee schedule for use of the Roanoke Rapids Theatre.

The city council will address the matter at its September 20 meeting.

During Tuesday’s work session Public Works Director Larry Chalker presented the proposed schedule. “We have received a barrage of phone calls from people who want to rent the venue,” he said.

Dominion Energy uses the theater for a staging area during severe weather and City Manager Kelly Traynham said the city has received requests to use the venue for Christmas parties, reunions, dances and birthday parties.

Chalker presented the following fee schedule, which he said is in line with the most recent rates charged:

$5,000 for the lobby per day with no production equipment used

$7,500 for the lobby and auditorium per day with no production equipment used

$10,000 per day for full production

Meanwhile, Traynham said after the meeting sealed bids on the venue will be opened at 12:30 p.m. on Monday.

She declined to say how many bids the city has received thus far.

Last month the city council passed a resolution declaring the theater surplus property and opted  to sell it using the sealed bid process.

The action came as G&T Holdings, which is made up of Thomas and Evon McLean,was declared to be in default on their balloon payment to the city. 

Instead of outright foreclosure proceedings on the troubled venue the council opted to go with receiving the deed of trust in lieu of foreclosure, which reverted the property back to the city.