Ongoing negotiations between the Rome City Commission and Floyd County Commission on a proposed 1-cent sales tax (FLOST) have reached a stalemate, missing the deadline to place the measure on the November 2025 ballot.
At a joint meeting held Tuesday, August 5, both sides acknowledged the need for property tax relief but could not agree on how to divide the estimated $20 million in annual tax revenue.
County officials proposed a 75/25 split favoring the county, while the city countered with a 60/40 proposal. With neither side willing to compromise, the impasse means the earliest the issue could go to voters is the May 2026 primary election.
County Manager Jamie McCord stated the county’s proposal would result in an equal percentage reduction in millage rates for both city and county property owners.
Rome City Manager Sammy Rich emphasized that city residents pay both city and county maintenance and operations millage rates and deserve reductions on both fronts.
Both city and county officials agreed that the sales tax revenue would benefit residents across the entire community. They also expressed optimism about the potential of HB 581, the “Save the Homes Act,” to provide meaningful property tax relief in the future.
With no agreement finalized, residents will not see a FLOST referendum on the November ballot, delaying any potential tax relief until at least mid-2026.
