The City of Rome’s General Administration Committee received an update recently regarding a request from a local charitable organization seeking permission to conduct fundraising activities within city roadways.
City Clerk Joe Smith reminded committee members of a request previously presented by Tim Minter of the Rome Shriners. Minter had asked the city to amend its ordinances to allow charitable organizations to solicit donations from motorists while standing in roadways.
The request was initially discussed during the committee’s Aug. 25, 2026 meeting, when members directed City Attorney Andy Davis, in consultation with City Clerk Joe Smith, to review the city’s legal authority regarding such activities and determine whether a change to the ordinance would be advisable.
During the latest committee meeting, Davis reported that his research found that Georgia law does provide local governments with the authority to permit roadway solicitation activities under certain circumstances. However, despite that legal latitude, Davis recommended that the City of Rome not amend its current ordinance to accommodate the request.
Davis cited concerns associated with allowing individuals to enter roadways to request donations from motorists and advised the committee to maintain the city’s existing restrictions.
No action was taken by the committee following the update. The matter remains under consideration as city officials continue to evaluate the request and its potential implications for public safety and traffic operations.
