The Effingham County Board of Education will vote on a millage rate at a special called meeting this morning at 8:30 a.m.

The school system has advertised a rate of 15.333 mills, and the projected net taxes levied would be $27.06 million. Of that amount, 2.5 percent is paid to the county for collection fees.

Superintendent Randy Shearouse said normally tax bills are sent out on Sept. 15 and due on Nov. 15. He said the system has been working hard but needs local tax money coming in.

Financial Director Ron Wilson told the board the operating loss for the system as of September was more than $9 million.

“In October, it will get worse,” he said.

He also told the board collections of special purpose local option sales tax funds are still slowing.

Shearouse said spending has slowed down. SPLOST funding has been used for essentials such as buses and textbooks.

“We’re trying to hold our own right now and not do anything unless it’s absolutely necessary,” he said.