A public hearing will be held on the City of Rockmart’s proposed operating budget for Fiscal Year 2013 at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2.

The hearing will be conducted at the Rockmart Municipal Complex, Administration Building, Council Chambers, 316 North Piedmont Avenue, Rockmart.

Both written and oral comments will be accepted on the proposed $8,421,742 budget, which includes the general fund, $4,754,537 and water and sewer, $3,667,205.

A vote will be taken during the next scheduled city council meeting at 7 p.m. Oct. 9.

Interested citizens are encouraged to attend the meeting and/or hearing.

Copies of the proposed budget may be examined at the City Clerk’s Office during normal business hours or may be purchased for a $4.00 copy fee.

A resolution to advertise the public hearing was approved during Tuesday's meeting of the Rockmart Mayor and Council.

During the meeting, Mayor Steve Miller proposed setting a limit of two consecutive terms for the mayor. However, council members favor an across-the-board, three-year consecutive term limit for the mayor and city council.

“I campaigned that term limits should be part of the election process in Rockmart,” Miller said. “I believe these should be set from the national to the local level. It would give other qualified people opportunity to be in leadership positions.”

Consensus of the group was to determine requirements of making such a change. This would include whether or not it can be done through home rule or through local legislation.

If it is the latter, Miller said, a time line would be involved since the next session of the General Assembly begins in January 2013.

More details on the proposal should be presented at the October meeting, according to Miller.

In a report to the group, City Manager Jeff Ellis noted:

Polk’s road department will begin street resurfacing in Rockmart this month (September).

County workers are also scheduled to pave the lower parking area near the Municipal Complex. Additional space will be provided for library and cultural arts patrons.

City staff are addressing areas on Kelley Street and making corrective measures to ensure a successful project. An estimated cost of $35,000 will be drawn from remaining library funds to complete the work.

Public works staff (Rockmart) should also begin installation of the Lake Street water line in October. This will include upgrading from a 2 inch to 6-inch line and adding 1 or 2 fire hydrants. Residents in the area will be notified prior to the date the work begins.