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Ribbon-cutting opens Patriot's Park in Rincon
A ribbon-cutting was held April 22 at the newly opened Patriot's Park just past the Rincon YMCA at the end of Patriot Road – off Hwy. 21. In addition to a number of kids who couldn’t wait to try out the new playground equipment, and their parents were: City Councilmembers Ben Blackwell, Mona Underwood, Mayor Pro-Tem Kevin Exley, City Manager Jonathan Lynn, Recreation Director Shannon Loper, and Police Chief Jonathon Murrell. (Photos by Barbara Augsdorfer/Effingham Herald.)
Updated: May 2, 2024, 6:26 PM
Published: Apr 23, 2024, 8:13 PM
By Barbara Augsdorfer, Editor for the Effingham Herald
More proof that if you build it, they will come. Patriot’s Park in Rincon was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting April 22.
A number of children were present and eager to jump, climb, and swing on the new playground equipment that shone in the late-afternoon sun.
The park has been in the works since 2008, when the city approved the construction of two tennis courts as the first phase.
The tennis courts were completed in 2010. Original plans for the park included sports fields.
Next to the tennis courts behind the Rincon YMCA, the park features modern playground equipment – swings, slides, jungle gym in hues of green and tan – all on a bed of artificial turf and springy recycled rubber.
The park has a sand box and a blank cement slab for drawing on. There is still some undeveloped land around the park covered with grass. Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Exley mentioned the possibility of a splash pad, maybe. “Don’t hold me to that,” Exley said.
The only drawback is the park doesn’t have restrooms, yet. Two portable toilets are located next to the tennis courts.
That lack of bathrooms didn’t seem to matter to the kids as they climbed and swung on the equipment and ran around on the turf.
City Manager Jonathan Lynn said city engineers are working on the design and cost estimates for the restrooms. The park construction was paid with Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds.
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.
