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Transmission rates skyrocketing; Health district encourages vaccinations
COVID-19
Submitted report
Effingham Herald
Published: Jul 30, 2021, 7:20 PM
By Coastal Health District

COVID-19 case rates are still climbing rapidly in the Coastal Health District, and now all 8 of its counties are experiencing high levels of transmission. Camden County's COVID-19 transmission rate is higher now than it has been during any previous point in the pandemic -- even higher than the post-holiday surge in January.
Nationwide, COVID-19 cases have increased over 300 percent in just one month, from mid-June to mid-July. Health experts believe this latest surge is driven primarily by the Delta variant of the virus that causes COVID-19. 

The emerging evidence about the Delta variant shows that it's much more contagious than previous strains. This is partly because people infected with Delta have higher viral loads—meaning more virus in their body—than with previous variants.

So far it appears the vast majority of transmission is occurring between unvaccinated individuals. However, Delta is causing some “vaccine breakthrough infections,” meaning infections in fully vaccinated people. 
New studies suggest that some vaccinated people can be contagious if they get Delta and could transmit the virus to others. That's why, in areas of high transmission like the Coastal Health District, the CDC recommends that all people - including the vaccinated - wear a mask in public indoor settings to prevent spread and protect themselves and others.

If you are vaccinated, the good news is that most breakthrough infections are mild. Vaccines are working as they should — they are preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death in those who are fully vaccinated.
But the bad news is that variants are expected as long as transmission continues, which means we are in a race against time to increase vaccination coverage. High vaccination coverage will reduce spread of the virus and help prevent new variants from emerging. Vaccination is the best way to protect you, your family, and your community. 
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.