The October 14, 2024, meeting of the Rome City Commission began with an invocation led by Commissioner Cochran, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The roll call confirmed the attendance of all commissioners. The minutes from the previous meeting were approved by consensus.
Audit Presentation: Christopher McKel from Malden and Jenkins provided a summary of the 2023 audit, noting an unmodified opinion, indicating that the financial statements were presented fairly. Highlights included a $5 million increase in governmental activities and an increase of about $178 million in proprietary funds, largely due to a settlement.
Financial Overview: The report emphasized that 84% of general fund revenues came from taxes, and discussed the breakdown of general fund expenditures across various sectors.
Ordinance Changes: The commission discussed two items: a zoning request to rezone properties and an update to building codes to align with state standards.
Public Discussion: Commissioners raised concerns about properties that allow construction by right without public input, seeking a list of such properties to review before development occurs.
Property Transfer: A motion was passed to declare a property surplus to allow transfer to the Rome Floyd Land Bank Authority for development.
Police Department Funding: The commission approved funding for upgrading police car computers to meet new software requirements.
Upcoming Meetings: Announcements included upcoming meetings for various committees and the exciting news that Rome will host the NCAA D3 tennis championships in 2028.
Trail Safety: Commissioner Beaman raised concerns about the lack of medical assistance stations on the trails, especially after experiencing an injury. The discussion emphasized the importance of carrying a phone and knowing one’s location on the trail for emergencies.
Community Engagement: The Mayor encouraged citizens to utilize the trail system and provide feedback. Commissioner Brock mentioned a weekly community bike ride to promote trail use and etiquette.
Board of Adjustments Appointment: Commissioner Quick made a motion to appoint Andrew Seville to the Board of Adjustments, which was approved unanimously.
Upcoming Meetings: Several upcoming meetings were announced, including a pension committee meeting and the Northwest Regional Commission meeting.
Tribute: Commissioner Collins paid tribute to Mr. Solomon Pastor, a long-time employee of the Rome Police Department who contributed significantly to the community.
Adjournment: The meeting concluded with no further business to address.
Overall, the session focused on community safety, engagement with local resources, acknowledging contributions of city employees, financial reporting, zoning issues, property management, and community engagement in development decisions.