The city of Rome is taking off in the technology arena as the proposed 2007 annual budget includes a 38.8 percent increase in supplies, largely because of the cost of maintaining computers and adding laptops and other gadgets.

“The big thing we did this year was move our hosting services offsite … which is more expensive, but more reliable and secure,” said Rome Finance Director Sheree Shore. “Also as we add more computers, they need to be upgraded and maintained, and unfortunately we pay dearly for that in terms of service contracts.”

The city commission is expected to adopt the budget during tonight’s meeting. The $26.4 million general fund budget reflects a 3.9 percent increase over last year, but the tax rate is expected to remain unchanged, city officials said last month.

Also at tonight’s meeting, the city is expected to:

# Discuss increasing the prices of alcohol permits for off-premise catering. Currently, providers must have an annual license to sell alcohol off-site, but must also purchase a permit for each event.

Rates are $30 for beer and wine, respectively, and $60 for liquor permits, regardless of the number of people.

The resolution would raise the rates for events with 201 or more attendees to $250 for both beer and wine and $500 for liquor.

# Approve an ordinance to create a commission to manage the new downtown Business Improvement District. The ordinance was already unanimously approved Thursday by the Rome Downtown Development Authority.

# Approve a joint Rome-Floyd ordinance requiring manufactured homes to get a special permit within city limits and within portions of the county consisting of a land development project.

# Approve nominations for the Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau board of directors.

# Hear first readings on five zoning issues.

IF YOU GO

What: Rome City Commission meeting

When: Today, caucus at 5 p.m., regular meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Where: City Hall, 601 Broad St.