Additional parking is planned near the Rockmart Municipal Complex to handle the overflow from other areas near the site.

City officials are discussing the possibility of paving the lower area between the Cultural Arts Center and Public Works Department. It would provide day-to-day parking for these facilities and the new library.

Rockmart City Manager Jeff Ellis said the City has received the “go ahead” from Nate Rall, director of facilities, Georgia Public Library Service, to utilize about $31,000 remaining funds from the renovation project.

“This amount should cover the asphalt mix and assist with other work to complete the project by late summer,” he said.

Ellis reminded that the summer reading program is open and events are drawing large groups of people, both adults and children.

He said the Public Works Department has been busy assisting with cutting and trimming trees throughout Rockmart.

These have either been damaged by adverse weather or become diseased and threaten collapse.

“Our tree removal and trimming activities is a preventive measure that we make significant efforts to monitor and take corrective action in a timely fashion if possible,” he said.

Ellis said preparations for the Annual Homespun Festival is underway and city staff has been painting the inside of the old Tag Office / Senior Center. Plans are have it open and ready for use as a Trail Head for the Silver Comet Trail by Homespun.

Funds for this work, totaling $5,000, was included in the Fiscal 2012 budget.

In addition, staff is cleaning up park pavilions and has made needed repairs to the walking bridge between Silver Comet Trail and the park. This work should be complete soon.