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State unemployment falls to 10.2 percent for February
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Staff Report
Updated: Mar 17, 2011, 7:34 PM
Published: Mar 17, 2011, 7:36 PM

ATLANTA – State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Georgia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined slightly to 10.2 percent in February, down one-tenth of a percentage point, from a revised 10.3 percent in January. The January rate, originally reported as a preliminary 10.4 percent, has been revised downward to 10.3 percent. The state’s jobless rate was also 10.3 percent in February 2010.

“Job creation is the most important aspect of an economic recovery, and the slight increase in jobs in February gives me reason for cautious optimism,” said Butler. “Also, I’m encouraged that we continue to see a reduction in the number of new layoffs. However, the growing number of long term unemployed is troubling.”

The Savannah metro area had a gain of 400 jobs from February 2010 to February 2011.

In February, there were 3,795,400 payroll jobs, up 25,100, or seven-tenths of a percentage point, from 3,770,300 in January. Most of the increases came in construction and service-related industries, including professional and business services, education and health care, and leisure and hospitality. Also, there was an increase of 13,400, or four-tenths of a percentage point, from 3,782,000 in February 2010.

There were 263,200 long-term unemployed Georgians in February (those who have been out of work for 27 weeks or longer). This represents an increase of 72,400, or 37.9 percent, from 190,800 in February 2010, and 500, or two-tenths of a percentage point, from 262,700 in January. The long-term unemployed now account for a record-high 55.1 percent of the 478,104 jobless workers in Georgia.

Also, 55,576 laid-off workers filed initial claims for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits in February, a decrease of 34,083, or 38 percent, from 89,659 in January. Most of the first-time claims were filed in manufacturing, construction, administrative and support services and trade. And, there was an over-the-year decrease of 10,493 initial claims, or 15.9 percent, from 66,069 filed in February 2010.

February marked the 41st consecutive month Georgia has exceeded the national unemployment rate, which is 8.9 percent.
Effingham Schools Approve Property Tax Rate Increase
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.

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.

Historical Millage Rate Chart

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.