Effingham County Board of Commissioners Emergency Special Called Meeting July 28th, 2026

The Effingham County Board of Commissioners held an emergency special called meeting on July 28, 2026, primarily to discuss and approve procurement and budget-related items concerning the continuation and expansion of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) program. The board considered and approved an intergovernmental agreement with the cities of Gayton, Rinken, and Springfield to support a six-year SPLOST, which includes issuing debt up to $100 million to fund various countywide and city-specific capital projects such as a sheriff training center, library construction, public health building, parks, and infrastructure improvements. The agreement detailed the allocation of funds based on population percentages and project categories. Additionally, the board approved a resolution for a local homeowners incentive adjustment grant, a new legislative tool allowing targeted property tax credits for homesteaded residential properties, funded by excess revenues. The meeting included public comments clarifying the SPLOST timing, tax implications, and project restrictions. Motions to approve the agenda, the intergovernmental agreement, and the homeowners incentive grant passed with majority votes.