ROME, GA– Rome residents will have three opportunities to comment on the city’s proposed 2026 property tax rate before commissioners consider final adoption in August.

The City of Rome announced the hearings following its July 27 commission meeting. The proposed combined rate for city government and Rome City Schools is 26.25 mills.

The proposed rate would remain unchanged from the previous year. However, it is 1.5% higher than the calculated rollback rate of 25.871 mills.

Georgia law requires local governments to advertise a tax increase when property values raise expected tax collections. That requirement applies even if officials do not increase the millage rate.

The first public hearing will begin Monday, August 3, at 6:30 p.m. at Rome City Hall. The building is located at 601 Broad Street.

Two additional hearings will take place Monday, August 10. The city scheduled those hearings for 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Commissioners plan to consider adopting the final rate on August 10.

The city estimates that the combined city and school tax on property valued at $250,000 would total $2,625 under the proposed rate. The estimated bill would be $2,587 at the rollback rate, a difference of about $38.

Property valued at $175,000 would produce an estimated bill of $1,838 under the proposed rate. The estimated bill at the rollback rate would be $1,811, a difference of about $27.

Those estimates do not include homestead exemptions, school tax exemptions, or other deductions that could apply.

Police Staffing Discussed

Rome officials also discussed recruiting challenges within the Rome Police Department.

According to the city’s official meeting summary, finding qualified law enforcement officers remains difficult. However, city leaders said previous investments in officer salaries have improved retention.

Officials said the department continues to staff every patrol shift appropriately through scheduling and overtime. They also described recent crime trends as encouraging despite existing vacancies.

The city did not identify the number of vacant positions. Officials also did not release the department’s current overtime expenses or a timeline for filling the openings.

City Receives Clean Financial Audit

Representatives from Mauldin & Jenkins presented the city’s 2025 financial audit during the meeting.

The city received an unmodified opinion, commonly known as a clean audit. Auditors reported no material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, or disagreements with city management.

General fund revenue increased during 2025. Meanwhile, public safety remained the city’s largest area of general fund spending.

Auditors recommended several administrative improvements. However, the city said the review found no significant issues affecting its financial statements.

Community Development Projects Move Forward

Commissioners approved transferring a city-owned property on Hardy Avenue to the Rome-Floyd Land Bank Authority.

The authority will process the property before returning it to productive use and the tax rolls.

Commissioners also received an update on planning efforts in the Burwell Creek area of northeast Rome. The city will hold a public workshop Thursday, July 30, at 1:30 p.m. at Ashland Park Apartments.

Residents can learn more about the planning process and provide feedback on the area’s future.

Rome officials also announced a College Send-Off for local 2026 graduates. The event will include students from Rome City Schools, Floyd County Schools, and area private schools.

The College Send-Off will take place Saturday, August 1, from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Forum River Center.

Information for this report came from the City of Rome’s official commission meeting summary and its public notice concerning the proposed 2026 millage rate.

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