Layoffs, school consolidation and still-deeper cuts to services were among the alternatives residents offered Tuesday to the Rome City Commission’s proposed hike in the tax rate this year.

“Your revenues are down modestly, compared to some of the rest of us,” business owner Roger Wade said.

A dozen or so city residents registered opposition during the first of three hearings required before the city’s tax rate may be raised to 26.15 mills from 24.42 mills.

The difference would be an increase of about $67 on a $100,000 home, Rome City Manager John Bennett said, but attendees said any amount is too high.

“We’re in a time of crisis; ... some people are hanging on by their fingernails just to survive,” Mike Hadaway said.

The bulk of the increase would go to the city school system, which is facing a $1.4 million cut from the state on top of a decrease in the tax digest.

Terry Jones said city and county elected officials should take a more aggressive approach to eliminating duplicated services, starting with the school systems.

Consolidating city and county schools would result in a system of about 15,000 students, he said, and an administration that could be cut nearly in half.

“You’d save $100,000 right off the bat, just by having one superintendent,” he said. “I think the time has come.”

Randy Smith, a founder of the Rome-Floyd Tea Party, told the City Commission that “overtaxation by local, state and federal authorities” is responsible for the recession.

“Your belts simply need to be tightened further,” he added.

Most of the speakers said they believe the boards have tried hard to cut back on spending. But they also agreed with teacher Cheryl Garner, who said “radical steps” and creative thinking are needed now.

Salaries and benefits are hard to cut, Wade said, but he and other business owners have already been forced into taking those steps.

Garner also suggested consolidating North Heights and Main elementary schools, which have a combined 500 students.

Mayor Pro Tem Duane Reid, who chairs the city finance committee, said the suggestions are being taken to heart — although many have already been considered.

“We’re going to look at every option,” he said. “But we have a responsibility to do what’s in the best interest of the community. And for every person who says ‘cut services,’ there are two or three who would be adversely affected.”

Hearings also are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on July 13 and 6:30 p.m. on July 19, after which the board will adopt a rate.

Commissioner Jamie Doss said the amount of public input so far is unprecedented.

Also on Tuesday, the board set a $1,500 rental fee for the new ECO River Education Center river museum at Ridge Ferry Park and limited rentals to no more than two a month.

Commissioner Kim Canada said the money will help offset expenses, but the facility is primarily for education and tourism.