By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Commissioners OK vehicle service contract
Patrick Donahue
Updated: Aug 8, 2011, 10:57 PM
Published: Aug 8, 2011, 10:59 PM
Effingham County commissioners have approved a contract extension for service on the county’s vehicles — but it’s a function they may want to take another look at down the road.
Commissioners unanimously approved an amendment to the fleet management and vehicle maintenance contract with First Vehicle Services. The contract, at annual price of $738,261, covers all labor for the technicians and supervisors and all repairs and preventative maintenance.
The contract, county project manager Adam Kobek said, is a $25,000 reduction from the previous year. The county received $13,000 in rebates in the past year from the contract.
First Vehicle has been maintaining the county’s fleet since 2007, and the fleet now consists of 374 units.
According to the contract, all work over $750 in value will require approval from the county. All major repairs over $4,000 will be billed at cost and outside the contract.
Fleet service from First Vehicle has improved, according to county officials.
“We’ve been getting unit history,” Kobek said. “We’ve identified some larger issues.”
The commissioners’ infrastructure committee also has discussed building a new vehicle maintenance facility in the near future and looking into bringing service on the county’s vehicle in house as well.
“We are currently exploring other viable options,” Kobek said.
Said Commissioner Steve Mason: “As we get a facility that is capable of handling some large vehicles, it may be something we want to look at restructuring, maybe take it in house.”
Under the contract with First Vehicle, will run to June 30, 2012, target costs for labor are $321,523 and for parts are $256,349. Target costs for overhead are $55,447 and are $104,942 for administrative and management fee.
Volunteers hold 'Demo Party' to help Rincon Woman Rebuild Storm-Damaged Home
Matt Evans, owner of Centaur Home Renovations, consults with volunteer Janel Kearney while directing the demolition process. (Mya Taylor / Effingham Herald)
Mya Taylor
Updated: Aug 28, 2025, 3:11 PM
Published: Aug 28, 2025, 2:43 PM
RINCON, Ga. — Volunteers attended a “demo party” over the weekend to help demolish the interior of 82-year-old Miss Peggy’s home, which was left severely damaged by a storm years ago.
A gloomy forecast and threat of rain did not deter the group from working. When the seven volunteers arrived, they were greeted by Centaur Home Renovations owner Matt Evans, who is leading the renovations. Masks, trash bags and tools were handed out as music played from a large speaker and fans helped keep volunteers cool in the summer heat. Orange arrows painted on the walls directed workers to the areas slated for demolition.
Leigh Carter strips wallpaper as part of the interior demolition of Miss Peggy’s home during a community ‘demo party’ in Rincon. (Mya Taylor / Effingham Herald)
Leigh Carter, the first to arrive, was one of several who stripped walls and tore out drywall. Carter’s efforts go beyond renovations — she has also driven Miss Peggy to doctor’s appointments and helped her get rehoused last week at Family Promise of Effingham after a brief displacement.
“We want to get Miss Peggy back home in a safe place to live,” Carter said.
Volunteers spread out through the home, removing damaged drywall and hauling debris to a dumpster in the driveway.
“I decided to join because I thought helping somebody would be a good thing to do,” volunteer Sydney Kearney said. “I just thought it would be nice to volunteer.”
Grayson Heaton uses a crowbar to help remove damaged walls during the volunteer demolition day. (Mya Taylor / Effingham Herald)
Repairs underway
Michael’s Roofing of Meldrim completed the first major repair by rebuilding and installing a new roof. The previous roof had been damaged by a fallen tree, which led to water leaks, mildew and mold spreading through the home.
Now Evans and Centaur Home Renovations are leading the next phase of work. Evans joined volunteers in the demolition and said community support has been growing since news of Miss Peggy’s situation was first reported in the Effingham Herald.
“Since the article was first published, we’ve gotten quite a few reach-outs from people willing to donate their time,” Evans said. “We’ve also had four different dumpster companies donate dumpsters for the cause as well.”
Community organizations are also pitching in. Family Promise and the Manna House Food Pantry and Thrift Store have pledged to provide furniture and other materials once renovations are complete.
The most recent setback came when the septic tank lids collapsed, causing the system to stop working. Evans said crews are now cleaning the tank and clearing the lines.
Benny Carter tosses an old mattress into a dumpster as part of cleanup efforts at Miss Peggy’s storm-damaged home. (Mya Taylor / Effingham Herald)
What’s still needed
“After the demo is completed, we can start looking for more materials we’ll need like lumber, drywall, paint, flooring and more to get the house back together,” Evans said.
Additional materials still needed include:
25 2x4x8 studs
Four sheets of OSB sheathing
Twenty 12-foot deck boards (5/4)
Twelve 12-foot sheets of sheetrock
36-inch vanity
Two toilets
Four ceiling fans
Two bathroom fans
60-inch vanity
60-inch fiberglass tub and surround
60-inch fiberglass shower and surround
1,600 square feet of LVP flooring
36-inch exterior door
Rolls of drywall tape
Buckets of drywall mud
Bags of 20-minute drywall joint compound
100 linear feet of baseboard and quarter round
10 gallons of Kilz or Cover Stain
10–12 gallons of white paint
There is no estimated timeline for completion, as more funds and supplies are needed. The GoFundMe campaign for Miss Peggy’s home renovations has raised more than $1,400.
