Sunday, March 24, 2024–5:08 p.m.
-David Crowder, WRGA News-
The Rome City Commission is expected to vote on a new code of ethics when it meets Monday night.
The code would apply to members of the city commission, the city attorney, assistant city attorneys, and municipal judges.
Areas covered by the code include the acceptance of gifts, conflicts of interest, use of public property, coercion by city officials, voting on matters of personal interest, unauthorized use of city staff, restrictions on contracts with former city officials, improper use of official non-public information, unauthorized attempts to bind the city, improper influence in city judicial matters, retaliatory action against city employees, and restrictions on compensation or other employment.
It also outlines investigative procedures, hearings, and penalties.
Commissioners will also consider the adoption of a code of conduct, a resolution pledging to practice and promote civility in the City of Rome, a temporary crane agreement for West Third Street, and an assembly permit ordinance.
The Rome City Commission is also expected to consider a penalty for a West Rome business after a code enforcement inspector saw a man drinking inside the establishment.
The Rome Alcohol Control Commission is recommending a $2,000 fine and a 60-day suspension of the package license at Mi Tienda Food Mart at 611 Shorter Avenue.
The business does not have a pouring license, so alcohol consumption inside is not permitted.
The commission will also consider a recommendation from the ACC to set a standard price for the 50-50 food-to-drink ratio.
The action comes at the request of Billy Newby, owner of Newby Farm and Winery Tasting Room at 411 Broad Street.
Newby sells higher-end drinks meaning he has to sell more food to meet the ratio.
According to Rome City Clerk Joe Smith, the objective of standard pricing is to not penalize small bars that sell higher-end products.
According to Smith, there are some establishments that will have no interest in the standard prices, because they already meet the food-to-drink ratio by a substantial margin.
Tonight’s Rome City Commission meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at Rome City Hall.
The caucus begins at 5.
