At Monday’s meeting, the Rome City Commission approved two rezoning requests and completed a required second vote to confirm the city’s 2025 property tax rate following a procedural correction.
Rezoning for Townhomes
The commission approved changing the zoning at 2435 Shorter Avenue from Community Commercial to Multifamily Residential to allow construction of 10–14 townhomes. While supporters said the change fits the neighborhood and prevents more disruptive commercial uses, nearby residents expressed concerns about increased traffic and limited parking near the adjacent elementary school.
Public Safety Training Facility
Commissioners also discussed a rezoning request for TSB Loss Control Consultants at 3940 Morton Bend Road. The business, operating for over 40 years, is currently zoned Agricultural Residential. Owner Brad Doyle requested a change to Heavy Industrial to match the property’s longstanding use and support future expansion. Despite neighbors’ concerns about industrial zoning in a residential area, the Floyd County Planning Commission recommended approval. The Floyd County Commission will hold a public hearing and final vote on Aug. 26.
Property Tax Rate Approved After Revote
The commission held a second vote on the 2025 property tax rate after discovering that the original public notice failed to include the required six years of tax history, omitting 2020.
City commissioners voted to adopt the millage rate of 26.25 mills, the same rate as in 2024. However, the rate is considered a tax increase since property values have gone up and will result in higher revenue for the city. Every commissioner voted “yes” on the tax rate, except Mark Cochran, who voted “no”.
