Rome To Set Tax Rate, Consider 'Small Bar' Concept Monday

The Rome City Commission is scheduled to set the city and school property tax rates on Monday and get a first look at several changes recommended by the Alcohol Control Commission.

A final public hearing on the proposed millage rates is scheduled just before the vote during the board’s 6:30 p.m. meeting at City Hall, 601 Broad St.

Plans are for a slight decrease, to a combined rate of 26.25 mills compared to 26.45 mills in 2023. However, it’s expected to result in a slight increase on the tax bills of most property owners because assessments overall have risen approximately 7%.

The bulk of the taxes, 16.75 mills, is dedicated to Rome City Schools. City government maintenance and operations will get 7.67 mills worth of funding and another 1.75 mills will go toward capital spending — the acquisition of hard assets such as land, buildings and equipment.

The board is expected to hold its first discussion of the ACC’s recommendations during its 5 p.m. premeeting caucus, which also is open to the public.

First readings are scheduled at the regular meeting for two proposed ordinance amendments. One would create a “small bar” category exempt from the 50/50 food to drink sales ratio for liquor pouring licenses. The other would reject alcohol sales permits for people convicted of serving a minor within the past five years.

A recommended variance request to allow liquor sales without food sales at the new Elevation Cigar House on North Fifth Avenue could be tabled pending adoption of the small bar ordinance in August.

Several land use actions also are on the agenda, with recommendations of approval from the Rome Floyd Planning Commission:

♦ Rezonings at No. 3 and No. 7 Westlyn Drive from Community Commercial to Suburban Residential to reflect the existing use.

♦ A special use permit at 312 E. 15th St. to allow reconstruction of the existing duplex damaged by fire.

♦ A rezoning at 209 Redmond Road from Neighborhood Office Commercial to Duplex Residential to replace the existing home with a duplex.