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State employees, school workers to get raise
Gov. Brian Kemp
- photo by Associated Press
Capitol Beat
Effingham Herald
Published: Mar 17, 2022, 8:14 PM
ATLANTA –- Gov. Brian Kemp signed a $30.3 billion mid-year budget Wednesday that includes pay raises and bonuses for state employees and school workers.
The General Assembly increased state spending through June 30 by nearly $450 million above the mid-year budget Kemp recommended in January. Rising state tax collections gave lawmakers the added leeway.
Kemp cited his decision to keep the state’s economy open during the coronavirus pandemic for the strong revenue numbers.
“Georgia is in a unique position as we lead the nation in the great economic recovery,” the governor said during a signing ceremony at the state Capitol. “We chose to protect both lives and livelihoods during the pandemic.”
The mid-budget is highlighted by a $1.6 billion refund to Georgia taxpayers.
It also restores spending cuts to K-12 education imposed during the early months of the pandemic, and provides $2,000 one-time supplements to school nurses, custodians, cafeteria workers and school bus drivers.
State employees will see their annual pay increased by $5,000, with an additional $2,000 going to correctional officers in the juvenile and adult prison systems to reduce high turnover rates.
“These investments are all possible because of strong conservative leadership over the last few years,” said Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan. “The legislature and governor have worked together to understand how we shepherd through some of the toughest moments in our state’s history.”
The state House and Senate passed the mid-year budget last week.
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.
