The Rome City Commission is scheduled to discuss a change to its code of ethics during its regular meeting tonight.
The board caucuses at 5 p.m., with the meeting following at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall on Broad Street.
Commissioner Jamie Doss headed a special committee to examine the existing ethics code, which calls for sitting commissioners to investigate any complaints against one of their own.
The provision came under fire earlier this year from Commissioner Bill Collins, who cited the potential for conflicts of interest. Collins’ refusal to sign a pledge to uphold the code became an issue in the 2007 election but did not affect his return to office.
Doss said the special committee decided complaints should instead go to a board of elected officials from other jurisdictions that hold the same City of Ethics certification as Rome.
At last month’s meeting, the proposal still had to be vetted by the officials who could be asked to participate — and local resident Alvin Jackson asked the committee to consider adding citizen representation on the review board.
Commissioners are expected to get an update tonight on a draft amendment prepared by the city attorney.
Among the other items up for discussion is a request from North Georgia Air & Car Show organizer Gene Schayer for $25,000 in contingency money to help cover expenses if rain cuts into ticket sales.
The annual air show is scheduled for Sept. 12, 13 and 14 at the Richard B. Russell Regional Airport.
The Floyd County Commission tentatively agreed last month to put up $25,000 from money designated to promote tourism.
Schayer said the contingency funds would be tapped only if the event fails to break even.
Click here for a complete agenda and supporting documents.
Click here for a previous story about the North Georgia Air & Car Show.
