Floyd County Set To Enact COAM Rules Tuesday

The Floyd County Commission is expected to finalize the adoption of its ordinance regulating gaming machines Tuesday.

A public hearing is scheduled before the vote on COAMs — the coin operated gaming machines called “ding dings” by many players. The board also is expected to adopt a resolution amending the moratorium it imposed on new machines and vape shops this spring.

County commissioners plan to start their meeting at 6 p.m. following a 4 p.m. caucus at the County Administration Building, 12 E. Fourth Ave. Both sessions are public, although the board is again scheduled to go into a closed meeting during caucus to discuss property acquisition, litigation and personnel.

County Manager Jamie McCord presented the COAM ordinance on first reading during the board’s May 14 meeting. He said in addition to defining the terms, it requires licenses for the machines, with a possible fee of up to $500. Quarterly reports also will be required and less than 50% of a business’ gross retail receipts may come from COAMs.

There also are location standards, with minimum distances similar to those for businesses that sell alcohol. The Floyd County Alcohol Control Commission will handle complaints, and there are penalties set for first, second and third offenses.

Businesses with COAMs will have 12 months to come into compliance after the ordinance is adopted.

Also on Tuesday, commissioners will hold public hearings and rule on two rezoning requests.

A change to Light Industrial from Agricultural Residential zoning at 6294 Alabama Highway is being sought to reflect the industrial shop on the property. And Suburban Residential zoning is requested for a house at 906 Preacher Smith Road currently zoned for Multi-family Residential use.

The Rome Floyd Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of both.