Effingham County Fair aims to be bigger, better

Grady Rahn situates a sign that announces the dates of the 2022 Effingham County Fair. - photo by Mark Lastinger/staff

Mark Lastinger

Effingham Herald

Updated: Apr 7, 2022, 2:08 PM

Published: Mar 11, 2022, 3:32 PM

SPRINGFIELD — Even though the 2022 edition of the Effingham County Fair is more than 200 days away, plans for the event are well underway.

The Fair Committee’s top agenda item is raising the fair’s profile, especially locally. It is set Oct. 13-22.

“We have so many new people in this county,” said Beth Epling, a member of the Fair Committee for more than four decades. “We’ve got to figure out to make contact with them.”

The Effingham Herald will aid the Fair Committee’s cause by publishing a story about the fair each of the next six months. It will also continue to publish the award-winning annual fair guide in October.

The Fair Committee is confident that it has an excellent product to sell.

“We have a lot of people come from South Carolina and all around because the fair is so clean, the rides are so good and everybody is so nice to them,” Epling said.

The 2021 fair was highly successful. People were eager for its return after COVID-19 concerns prompted its cancellation in 2020.

“We probably had as good of a year (in 2021) as we’ve ever had,” Fair Committee Manager Grady Rahn said. “The weather — we had 10 good days.”

Rahn said the fair’s 2022 attractions are lined up. They will be provided by North Carolina’s Powers & Thomas Midway Entertainment.

“I talked to (Powers & Thomas Midway Entertainment owner Ed Powers),” Rahn said. “They are already on the road (for the 2022 fair circuit). Everything is looking good for them, he said.”

Rahn said the Fair Committee is responding to fairgoer requests.

“Supposedly, everybody wants bigger rides,” he said. “(Powers & Thomas Midway Entertainment) is not a big operator but they are supposed to have four new rides for us. One of them is still in shipping.

“Most of your big rides are made overseas.”

The Fair Committee is aiming to enhance the number of booth displays.

“What a great thing for a business,” Epling said. “Thousands of people come through here in each night, especially (the night of the Effingham County Fair Parade). A lot of businesses are missing an opportunity (to connect with potential customers).”

The Fair Committee will explain booth benefits by hosting the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours at the fairgrounds in August. Recently, Effingham Women in Business conducted an event at the fairgrounds.

The Effingham County Fair also conducts a pageant, livestock show and a variety of exhibits (sewing, crafts, cooking, plants, etc.) It also features a plethora of food options, games and a petting zoo.

https://www.loc8nearme.com/georgia/springfield/effingham-county-fair-grounds/6399486/

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Effingham Schools Approve Property Tax Rate Increase

Comparison of the property tax impact for Effingham County homeowners under the approved millage rate increase, showing the difference from fiscal year 2025 to 2026.

School Property Tax Rate Increase — Comparison of the property tax impact for Effingham County homeowners under the approved millage rate increase, showing the difference from fiscal year 2025 to 2026.

Updated: Sep 19, 2025, 12:52 AM

Published: Sep 19, 2025, 12:53 AM

SPRINGFIELD, Ga. — The Effingham County Board of Education unanimously approved raising the property tax rate from 16.5 to 18.45 mills. For a homeowner with a $350,000 property, that’s about $22 more per month. The vote was 5-0.

Why the Increase is Needed

District officials said the adjustment is necessary to cover rising costs and remain competitive in attracting and retaining teachers and staff. More than 87% of the district’s budget goes to salaries and benefits for employees ranging from classroom teachers to bus drivers, nurses, counselors, paraprofessionals, and administrators.

Most of the increase is tied to an $8 million spike in required contributions to state benefit plans.

The state’s health and retirement benefits for certified employees — teachers — are going up 7% in 2026, finance director Lauren Cain, said. Benefits for non-certified employees — staff — are rising 36%. That’s a total of $8 million more in health and retirement benefits the district will have to cover.

Although the state is increasing funding to Effingham schools by $4 million, it will cover only about half the benefits hike, she said.

As of July 1, premiums for the State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) have nearly doubled since FY2023, jumping from $945 to $1,885 per month per employee. In addition, the district’s contribution rate to the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) has increased from 20.78% to 21.91%.

To help offset those rising costs, the district voted to raise the millage rate.

Balancing Costs & Education

Superintendent Yancy Ford previously called the increase “an investment in every child’s future.” He said, “Smaller class sizes, highly qualified teachers, and strong support staff are all proven to raise student achievement. This millage rate increase allows us to continue building on our successes and to make sure every child in Effingham County has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.”

Ford also acknowledged the strain on taxpayers. “We don’t want to put the taxpayers in this position next year,” he said. He promised to “dissect the budget” and search for ways to “lower costs” while still doing what’s best for students. “We know people are feeling it,” he added.

Fiscal Accountability & Academic Record

While the millage rate itself rises about 11.5%, higher property values mean overall revenue collections will increase nearly 26%. School leaders say the additional funds will help preserve Effingham’s strong academic record, which includes a 90.7% graduation rate, above-average reading scores in elementary grades, and SAT results that top both state and national averages.

Ford emphasized accountability in managing taxpayer funds. Every dollar from this millage rate increase is an investment directly tied to student learning, he said.

Effingham Schools recently earned a 4.5 Financial Efficiency Star Rating from the Georgia Department of Education, ranking fourth out of 180 school systems statewide.

Public Concerns

About 20 residents attended the final public hearing before the vote. Several property owners, retirees on fixed incomes, and business owners voiced frustration over rising appraisals, cost of living increases, and tax abatements for industry.

Looking Ahead: ESPLOST Vote

Looking ahead, the district is preparing to ask voters in November to approve another ESPLOST (Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax). If passed, funds would go toward capital projects such as facility upgrades and technology improvements.

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