Rincon soon may have new tornado sirens up and active, just in time for tornado season.

The city received four sirens from the city of Winder, near Athens, for free. Moving and installing the sirens is expected to cost about $30,000.

“We’ve already gotten complaints when we’ve tested them,” said Rincon City Manager Wesley Corbitt.

Corbitt said the sirens could be up and going in a couple of weeks. The sirens will be tested once a month, and the city may try to inform residents on the water bills when to expect the tests.
Effingham County’s E-911 system will be the initial monitor for the sirens, with Rincon’s fire and police departments serving as backups.

The sirens do not have a warranty but there is a five-year warranty on the batteries.

“We’re getting about a $100,000 system,” Corbitt said. “It would cover the entire incorporated area.”

The city will look at the best sites for the sirens.

Council members also approved moving their loans from the Georgia Environmental Financing Authority to Ameris Bank. The GEFA terms for $6.327 million in financing are 3.27 percent, and the Ameris interest rate for a $6.39 million loan is 2.59 percent.

“It will free up your GEFA possibilities with the wastewater treatment facility and the water tower,” Corbitt said.

Corbitt estimated the city will save nearly $500,000 in interest payments. The savings, minus the bank’s fee, will be $498,000.

“This is wonderful, anytime you can save this amount of money,” council member Reese Browher said.

Browher also asked if other financial institutions were offered the chance at the city’s loan. Corbitt said he did not shop it around.

The city’s water and sewer revenues will be used against the loan, Corbitt said.