Rome on Track for Millage Rate Cut

Only one person spoke Tuesday night during the first public hearing on the Rome City Commission’s plan to reduce the 2024 property tax rate by .2 mills.

A second hearing is set for 10 a.m. on July 18 during a called meeting of the commission. The final one will be just before the board formally adopts the rate at its regular 6 p.m. meeting on July 22.

Commissioners indicated on Monday they are likely to cut the current tax rate by 0.2 mills to 26.25 mills, which is what City Manager Sammy Rich and Finance Director Toni Rhinehart recommended to the finance committee on July 2.

The current millage rate is 26.45. A tax rate of one mill represents one dollar per $1,000 of assessed value, which is 40% of a property’s fair market value. So, the taxable percentage of a $200,000 home is $80,000.

In an area where the millage rate is 25 mills — $25 per every $1,000 of value — the property tax on that home would be $2,000, less any exemptions.

However, even though the city millage rate is expected to be reduced, most people will likely see their overall property tax payment increase because of increased property valuations.

Because the proposed rate would generate more revenue, state law requires three public hearings to provide the opportunity for input.

Also on Monday, the commission voted to renew the lease for the Etowah River boat ramp, dubbed Dixon Landing, at Grizzard Park.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources built the ramp in 1999 and gave the city a 25-year lease that expired on May 26. The new 25-year lease maintains the provisions that give the city control with no rent payments.

Ken Wright of Silver Creek said he believes the city school system should be absorbed by the county’s and the two police departments should merge to save money. He did not address the proposed tax rate directly and it was unclear if he owns property in the city.

The board also announced that the Mount Berry Trail and AdventHealth Redmond ECO Greenway Signage ribbon cutting will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the AdventHealth Stadium east side parking lot trailhead.