Sunday, October 26, 2025–2:45 p.m.
-David Crowder, WRGA News-
The Rome City Commission will consider revoking the beer package license at the K&A Mart on Maple Avenue when it meets on Monday.
The Rome Alcohol Control Commission is recommending the revocation and a $2,000 fine following two incidents at the store that occurred during the summer.
On July 23, police discovered seven COAMs in the establishment, when the maximum allowed is six. There were also individuals smoking near the machines along with that appeared to be open containers of alcohol.
Then, on August 7, Rome-Floyd Metro Task Force officers conducted a raid at the store and arrested two people for possession of cocaine and other offenses.
Commissioner expected to vote on Downtown BID renewal
The Rome City Commission will conduct a second reading and vote regarding an updated Business Improvement District ordinance when it meets on Monday.
The City received a petition requesting the renewal, modification, and expansion of the business improvement district, created in 2006 and amended in 2015.
D.J. Rickman, owner of Giggity’s and a member of the Rome Downtown Development Authority, told commissioners during a public hearing earlier this month that state law only requires 51 percent of the property values represented by their owners in the district to be in favor; that number is 79 percent in the Downtown Rome BID.
“This is a higher percentage than when the BID was originally implemented in 2006, and again when it was renewed in 2015,” he said. “Every First Friday, the block parties, the Façade Grants, and the Impact and Marketing Grants have tangible value to property and business owners. It pays for itself ten times over at the end of the day, when we have all of these programs for BID.”
Through an annual levy on millage upon real property and a surcharge on existing business licenses, the Rome BID enables local property and business owners to finance services and improvements beyond those already provided by the City of Rome.
“The renewal for 2026-2035 would not change the rate, as it would remain at 1.5 mills,” Rickman added. “There would also be no increase in the business license surcharge nor the maximum amount for the surcharge.”
The only change would be the inclusion of three additional parcels on East First Avenue, slightly expanding the BID boundaries.
Other agenda items
Commissioners will also consider an unbudgeted capital request for additional body cameras for the Rome Police Department.
With the introduction of the Public
Safety Bicycle Ambassadors and the projected increase in officer staffing, 10 additional cameras are needed, along with 5 additional user licenses for the Digital Evidence Server.
The additional cameras will cost $48,425 with an ongoing additional cost of just over $27,000.
Monday’s Rome City Commission meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at Rome City Hall.
The caucus starts at 5 p.m.
During the caucus, commissioners will hear a presentation from the Rome-Floyd County Chamber of Commerce regarding legislative priorities.
