City Commission

ROME CITY COMMISSION Monday, August 11, 2025 The Rome City Commission met at 6:30 p.m. this date in the City Commission Chambers of City Hall, 601 Broad Street. Mayor McDaniel presided with Mayor Pro Tem Bojo and Commissioners Brock, Cochran, Beeman, Doss, Quick, and Collins present. Commissioner Robinson was out of town and excused. Commissioner Doss opened the meeting with prayer and led in the salute to the flag. Minutes – July 28, 2025 and August 5, 2025, Joint City/County Commission The Minutes of the July 28, 2025, City Commission meeting, and August 5, 2025, Joint City/County Commission meeting, as submitted in writing by the Secretary, were approved by unanimous consent. Rome City Schools System – Budget Presentation Rome City School Superintendent Dr. Eric Holland was in attendance to present budget information to the City Commission. Also present with Dr. Holland was Finance Director Greg Studdard, Rome Board of Education Chair Faith Collins, and Board Member Alvin Jackson. Dr. Holland displayed a PowerPoint presentation regarding items associated with the Rome Board of Education’s budget and budget calendar. Finance Director Studdard presented an explanation of the financial facts related to the school system. Mr. Studdard placed special emphasis on the fund balance and the outstanding pension plan liability. It was explained that the Rome City School System presents their annual request for local appropriation funding to the City of Rome and the City of Rome, after discussions with the school system, sets the millage rate each year. The proposed millage rate for 2025 is the same rate as 2024 for the Rome City School system – 16.750 mills. Mayor McDaniel thanked Dr. Holland, Mr. Studdard, and the Rome Board of Education for their comments. Ken Wright and David Newby Mr. Ken Wright, Silver Creek, GA, and Mr. David Newby, 3020 Calhoun Rd. NE, read the following statement: “My reason for appearing today is to address what I believe is the most important issue facing our local government and citizens. It has nothing to do with taxes, education, law enforcement, not budgets. I believe we have a crisis in our community (and truly throughout the state and nation) of a society that now has pitted government against citizens. It has created an “us against them” mentality; only to serve at the detriment of everyone. For some reason society now believes that if someone disagrees with you, then you must hate them. In reality, there are times when I have agreed with every single Commissioner and other times I have disagreed with every single Commissioner. At no time do I hate anybody because of their opinions, even when I disagree. In fact, I don’t enjoy being around someone that I know will just simply agree with me 100% of the time. That closes off conversations and debates. What I hope commissioners will recognize is that citizens can provide valuable assistance to local government. We have citizens that have run entire companies, bringing them to profitability. We have 1 citizens that have patents (even multiple patents); those that have written and published books. We have engineers, surgeons, attorneys, finance wizards, pretty much every realm of expertise you could ever desire. Yet government doesn’t make an effort to reach out to these people for advice. The reasons you should are multi-fold. First of all, with active participation from citizens and “buy-in”; it is much easier to pass legislation, referendums and ordinances with citizens being stakeholders in the process. I know Commissioners wonder at times why citizens aren’t more active and don’t attend meetings. Citizens are only given 3 minutes to speak, so by the time they introduce themselves and start to begin their conversation it is time for them to stop speaking. Additionally when citizens show up in mass and unite to oppose an issue (for example downtown paid parking, a new Rome Middle School, data centers or millage rates) yet Commissioners vote in opposition to the majority – citizens quickly decide there is no point in showing up. Further citizens can’t ask questions (or at least receive any answers) – so there is no true discussion or interaction between government and citizens. This is a problem throughout local, state and federal government. So what is my point? I think we need to be the example for other cities, counties and stated by creating a forum in which citizens can truly be active in forming laws, rules, regulations and decisions within government. I am not requesting that citizens run the government; but that they be given an opportunity to help our community. With current technology, why not post on a public website every single agenda item one month in advance. Allow citizens to ask their questions, provide advice – but most importantly WITH responses from the applicable persons responsible in government. Many citizens don’t participate nor even vote on issues; because they simply don’t understand and nobody will provide explanations. This would allow one month of interactive conversations to take place; so that truly Commissioners can support the will of the people (their ultimate responsibility). That is the caveat to this proposal however. It is an expectation of citizens that Commissioners represents their citizens/constituents. Quite honestly Commissioners and government official have a right to their own opinions; but they do not have the right to their own vote. Their obligation is to vote according to the will of the people – citizens. Include on the website an opportunity for citizens to discuss what they believe is important for the community. Commissioners truly have obligations that I suspect most citizens don’t understand and I suspect feel that the burden of the entire community is on the should of these few Commissioners. Yet you don’t have to feel like that. You have an entire community of citizens that truly care about our community being financially independent, fiscally responsible, well-educated, safe and comfortable for all age groups. Listen to the ideas of citizens so that you will truly know what is important to them. Citizens should listen to Commissioners to fully understand what is of critical importance to them. I understand there are serious financial concerns in the City. The City has a pending enormous debt from bonds issued for a new middle school that is apparently unnecessary and unfortunately in a failing school system. The majority of these City Commissioners had nothing to do with this, yet 100% of these Commissioners have to deal with this. Citizens need to understand that. However, we need to address the root cause of this problem to prevent recurrence. Firing people isn’t pleasant nor fun; but when a school system is failing- those in charge of running this school system need to be relieved of their position. Students need a quality education, excuses like “we have a lot of Hispanic students” falls on deaf ears; because the school system is in the bottom 25% of the state. In case you haven’t been to Whitfield, Godon or Polk Counties (and particularly counties in South Georgia) there are schools with a 2 much higher prevalence of Hispanic students with exponentially higher academic performance. Bilingual teachers, a Spanish Academy and other options would have resulted in higher academics – while we have proven with Anna K Davie and Main Elementary that throwing money and new school buildings at the problem is an ineffective solution. We truly do need to focus on working together. That isn’t happening, not within the City and County and not even within the same Commissions. That doesn’t mean we all have to agree 100% of the time. We just need to be respectful about other opposing opinions; but more importantly give everyone (citizens and Commissioners) the opportunity to express their opinions. Doing this on the website would avoid citizens speaking so much at Commission meetings; it would avoid longwinded participants (for government and citizens). It would provide dialogue and interaction between everyone with multiple options to be presented. Citizens should come to the table with problems, only if they are open to assisting in solving the problems – not just to complain. Commissioners should come to the table with open minds and truly listen and consider the input and ideas of citizens. We all would work together so much more effectively as a community if we could simply do these basic things. We should not be enemies of each other, but all be working together to make this a safe, financially secure community with excellent employment, education and healthcare. Give citizens a chance to make a difference (other than just relying on citizens to finance government). Thank you.” Due to the length of the comments, Mr. Wright could not complete his presentation in his allotted three minutes, therefore Mr. Newby finished reading Mr. Wright’s statement. Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) – Intergovernmental Agreement and Resolution City Manager Rich explained, as allowed by House Bill 581, local governments have the option of placing a referendum before the voters which would allow the public to impose up to one cent of additional local sales tax upon themselves to be used strictly for property tax relief. Shifting some of the property tax burden to sales tax, seems to be a popular concept throughout the State of Georgia. Mr. Rich reminded the Commission that negotiations have taken place between the City and County Commissions concerning this topic, noting that an intergovernmental agreement regarding the distribution of this extra sales tax must be determined before this referendum can appear before the public. After negotiations between the City and the County Commissions, a split of 68% to Floyd County and 32% to the City of Rome has been developed. Since Cave Spring does not have property tax, they cannot participate in this funding. Mr. Rich used an example of a $150,000 house in the City of Rome which is projected to save approximately $405 if this extra sales tax is implemented. With the proposed 68/32 split, the City of Rome would expect to receive a millage rate reduction of approximately 3.624 mills, with the County receiving a reduction of approximately 3.117 mills. These numbers will not be known precisely until the year of implementation, since the millage rate reduction (sales tax credit) will be a comparison of the prior year sales tax collections and the current year taxable digest. Mr. Rich also noted that it is projected that approximately 40% of the sales tax generated in Floyd County comes from persons who live outside of our county. 3 If the City of Rome and Floyd County approve the intergovernmental agreement and the resolutions authorizing the referendum, the referendum will appear on the November 4, 2025, ballot. If approved by the voters of Rome and Floyd Couty, tax collections will begin January 1, 2026. Under the current state law, the property tax relief would not be realized until 2027, since the current state language requires that the prior year’s collections be used to determine the current year credit. The City of Rome is interested in talking with state representatives in an effort to amend the state law in 2026, to allow the first six months of 2026 collections to be credited on the 2026 tax bills. Mayor McDaniel noted this was a bipartisan effort of the Georgia General Assembly and the first real effort for property tax relief in many years. Mayor McDaniel also noted that the City of Rome has the Rome Middle School bonds as a twenty-year liability. If one of the three next ELOST (Education Local Option Sales Tax) referendums fail, the Rome Middle School bond payments will be the responsibility of the City of Rome property owners and that bond payment is projected to be an additional 4.6 mills applicable to city tax bills. Commissioner Bojo moved to approve the City/County intergovernmental agreement as defined by Mr. Rich. This agreement would authorize 68% of the FLOST revenue to go to Floyd County, 32% to the City of Rome. This motion for adoption is subject to review by the City and County Attorneys. Commissioner Doss seconded the motion. Commissioner Collins voiced his support for this concept. Commissioner Doss noted that, originally, the City Commission and the County Commission had different ideas regarding the distribution of these revenues, however they have come to a compromise agreement. Commissioner Cochran expressed his concerns regarding the delay of realization of the property tax relief. Mr. Cochran noted that, if the FLOST begins in January 2026, property owners will not see tax relief until the fall of 2027. They will pay the extra one cent sales tax in 2026 and property tax with no relief. Commissioner Cochran expressed his opinion that this is a flawed mechanism. Commissioner Beeman expressed some concerns with persons who rent. Although renters indirectly pay property tax through their rent, they will be paying extra sales tax and may not see relief in the form of rent reduction from their landlords. Commissioner Brock pointed out that the City Commission is not deciding if this new sales tax is a worthy concept, they are only deciding whether or not to give the voters of Rome and Floyd County the opportunity to make that decision for themselves. If the November referendum is held and it fails, the city and the county must wait one year before presenting the referendum to the voters for a second time. With the discussion concluded, Commissioner Bojo’s motion to adopt the intergovernmental agreement was adopted by the following vote: YES: Bojo, Brock, Beeman, Doss, Quick, and Collins NO: Cochran Commissioner Bojo moved to adopt the resolution authorizing the placement of the referendum on the November 4, 2025. Commissioner Quick seconded the motion. Commissioner Doss pointed out that it could be a challenge to educate the voters regarding the details of this new sales tax concept. 4 Commissioner Bojo’s motion to adopt the resolution was approved by the following vote: YES: Bojo, Brock, Beeman, Doss, Quick, and Collins NO: Cochran Rezonings – First Reading Commissioner Quick stated that the following three rezonings are being placed on First Reading: a) Z25-06-04 – Request to rezone from Heavy Industrial to High Density Traditional Residential for the property at 408 Cedar Avenue, Rome, Georgia 30161; Floyd County Tax Parcel J14M168. (Planning Commission recommends approval, 8-0). b) Z25-06-05 – Request to rezone from Heavy Industrial to High Density Traditional Residential for the property at 412 Cedar Avenue, Rome, Georgia 30161; Floyd County Tax Parcel J14M166. (Planning Commission recommends approval, 8-0). c) Z25-06-06 – Request to rezone from Community Commercial to Multifamily Residential for the property at 2435 Shorter Avenue, Rome, Georgia 30165; Floyd County Tax Parcel H13X309. (Planning Commission voted on a motion to deny, but the motion failed, 3-5). A public hearing on these matters will be scheduled for the August 25, 2025, City Commission meeting. 2025 Tax Millage Rate Resolution and Tax Increase Public Hearing City Manager Rich announced that the City of Rome took action to adopt the 2025 tax mill rate at the July 28, 2025, meeting. However, it was pointed out by a Rome resident that the City of Rome’s five- year history ad for the city and the city school system was flawed since it contained only four prior years not five prior years of tax history. Mr. Rich reported that this error has been noted, and a corrected advertisement has run outlining the information required by the State of Georgia including five prior years of history for the City of Rome and the Rome Board of Education. Mr. Rich displayed these two advertisements. He also reviewed the information he covered at the July 28, 2025, City Commission meeting, noting the City of Rome millage rate is proposed to remain unchanged. Additional revenue will be generated for the City of Rome and the Rome Board of Education due to growth in the city’s taxable digest. Mr. Rich also presented a twenty-year history of the City of Rome and the Rome Board of Education millage rate and noted the consistency in these millage rates. Although the three tax increase public hearings were held, an additional public hearing is being held tonight due to the tax increase and to receive input regarding the City of Rome’s millage rate resolution. Mayor McDaniel called the public hearing to order. No one indicated they were speaking in favor of the millage rate, as such, Mayor McDaniel noted that those speaking in opposition to the millage rate would have a total of twenty minutes. Speaking in opposition to the millage rate was Mr. Billy Cooper, 56 Mountain Crest Drive. Mr. Cooper made comments at the July City Commission meeting regarding the proposed tax rate. Mr. Cooper noted that there has been an approximate 8% increase in the 2025 digest and although the millage rate is remaining the same, this results in higher taxes. He also said 8% is higher than the inflation rate and likely higher than average wage increases. 5 Speaking in opposition to the millage rate was Mr. Mark Swanson, 224 Rolling Oak Drive. Mr. Swanson also addressed the City Commission during their July meeting. Mr. Swanson encouraged the City Commission to not adopt this millage rate and to wait and revisit this matter in September after more time is spent with city budgets looking for ways of reduction. Mr. Swanson stated that the citizens want taxes to be lowered, and the City Commission is the citizens’ representative. He encouraged them to exercise their power to alter the budget and the resulting tax millage rate. Mayor McDaniel told the citizens present at tonight’s meeting that he understands their concerns and stated that three City Commission seats are up for election and all seven Rome Board of Education seats in 2025. Qualifying for this election will be held in City Hall the week of August 18 – August 22, 2025. He encouraged anyone interested in running and having an impact on their government to do so. The public hearing was closed. Commissioner Bojo moved to adopt the proposed 2025 tax mill rate resolution. The total millage rate will be 26.25 mills, with 7.75 mills going to City Maintenance and Operation, 1.75 mills for City Capital, and 16.75 mills for the Rome Board of Education. Commissioner Doss seconded the motion. Commissioner Cochran made several comments regarding this budget. He emphasized that it is not the fault of the City Manager but noted that the City Commission does not play an active role in the budget process. Mr. Cochran feels that the budget should be developed sooner with more City Commission input. Cochran also reported that the City Manager has no spending limit, the Rome City Commission has no contract oversight, and the City Auditor is selected by the City Manager and his team, and they do not work for the City Commission. Commissioner Cochran emphasized that he is not making accusations and noted that the City of Rome has had outstanding audits but feels that the auditors should be more independent. Mayor McDaniel and Commissioner Brock said that Commissioner Cochran was one of five City Commissioners who voted to build the new Rome Middle School. It was noted that while there was ELOST and State of Georgia funding to build a new middle school, the ultimate decision was to borrow more money than was authorized to build a larger and more costly middle school. This middle school will have a total debt service of approximately $155 million and will take a total of four ELOST referendums for a complete payment. There was somewhat lengthy and spirited debate by the City Commissioners concerning the City of Rome budget and especially the expenditures by the Rome Board of Education and the construction costs of the Rome Middle School. At the end of the discussion, the motion to adopt the millage rate and the millage rate resolution as presented was approved by the following vote: YES: Bojo, Brock, Beeman, Doss, Quick, and Collins NO: Cochran 2025 Elections Secretary Smith reminded the commission and the audience of the upcoming 2025 City of Rome election for the selection of the three Ward 2 Commissioners and the seven Rome Board of Education 6 members. Qualifying for this election will be held in the City Clerk’s Office of City Hall beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, August 18th and closing at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 22nd. Smith Street Property – Landbank Authority Commissioner Bojo moved to approve the transfer of a parcel of property owned by the City of Rome and located on Smith Street (map # J13O-200) to the Rome/Floyd Landbank Authority. Commissioner Doss seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Vineland Drive Property – Landbank Authority Commissioner Bojo moved to approve the transfer of a parcel of property owned by the City of Rome located on Vineland Drive (map # I13W-378) to the Rome/Floyd Landbank Authority. Commissioner Quick seconded the motion, and it was approved by the following vote: YES: Bojo, Brock, Cochran, Beeman, Doss, and Quick ABSTAIN: Collins (Commissioner Collins announced that he owns property adjoining this lot and could be interested in acquiring this site from the Landbank Authority) Library Board Commissioner Beeman announced that the Library Board will meet on Thursday, August 21st at the Sara Hightower Regional Library. Public Works/Traffic/Transit and Trails Committee Commissioner Quick announced that the Public Works/Traffic/Transit and Trails Committee will meet on Wednesday, August 13th at 10:00 a.m. in the Sam King Room. Northwest Georgia Regional Commission Commissioner Collins announced that the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission will meet on Thursday, August 21st at 11:00 a.m. at the Civic Center. Alcohol Control Commission Mayor McDaniel announced that the Alcohol Control Commission will meet on Monday, August 18th at 5:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers. Downtown Development Authority Mayor McDaniel announced that the Downtown Development Authority will meet on Thursday, August 14th at 8:30 a.m. in the Milner Building. Adjourn With there being no further business, Mayor McDaniel adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m. Joseph F. Smith City Clerk 7