The City of Rome Finance Committee met this week to review the proposed 2026 budget, highlighting rising costs, capital needs, and ongoing projects across multiple departments.
Committee Chairman Jim Bojo called the meeting to order and secured approval of the previous meeting’s minutes before turning the discussion over to Finance Director Toni Rhinehart.
Rhinehart outlined key challenges in developing the 2026 budget, pointing to increased health insurance costs as a major factor. Over the past two years, the city’s contribution per employee has risen from $12,600 to $16,000, significantly impacting larger departments such as fire, police, public safety, and solid waste.
City officials also discussed homelessness, noting that incoming opioid settlement funds could potentially be used to support housing initiatives. Commissioner Wayne Robinson asked questions regarding the timing and availability of those funds during the discussion.
Rhinehart said only a limited number of new positions have been added citywide and are already accounted for in the proposed budget.
Attention then turned to the city’s capital fund, where several major projects and equipment needs were outlined. The police department continues to invest heavily in technology, while funds from the RedSpeed program are expected to cover the purchase of three new vehicles.
A new fuel station for the Public Works Department is also in progress, with an estimated cost of $1.5 million to be funded jointly through capital and water funds. The Street Department has requested additional equipment, including a bucket truck and a service dump truck.
Rhinehart also noted that a long-standing lease-purchase program offered through the Georgia Municipal Association is set to expire in 2027. The city has benefited from low-interest financing through the program, though its future remains uncertain.
Commissioner Elaina Beeman raised questions about equipment requests for the Civic Center and the lack of similar requests for the Community Center. Officials discussed cost-saving measures, including purchasing items through surplus platforms when possible.
Additional capital projects include building repairs at various facilities, with potential grant funding being pursued for improvements such as restroom upgrades at the city’s RV park. Work at Barron Stadium, requested by the school system, continues with additional painting planned.
Officials also reviewed ongoing concerns with the downtown parking deck, which is financed through the Rome Floyd Development Authority. Structural issues, including stairwell settlement, will require repairs.
Plans to relocate the police department are moving forward, with early costs included in the proposed budget. While Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds have been set aside, officials noted that additional borrowing may be required depending on the project timeline.
Other projects discussed include irrigation system replacement at the city golf course, phased repairs at the Forum parking deck, and future elevator modernization. Immediate maintenance needs at several facilities have been included in the 2026 budget.
City leaders also briefly discussed microtransit plans, with Assistant City Manager Ulmer providing an update on efforts to acquire vans for the program.
