Finance Director Mark Barnes presents Effingham County's fiscal year 2026 budget draft

In the heart of Haralson County, the Effingham County Board of Commissioners convened on June 3, 2025, to discuss the county's fiscal future, unveiling a draft budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2026. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as Finance Director Mark Barnes presented the first reading of the budget, a crucial step in the county's financial planning process.

The proposed budget reflects a significant increase of approximately $9 million, or 18%, primarily driven by transfers to capital projects funded through Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) and Transportation SPLOST (TSPLOST). This year, the county anticipates utilizing about $7 million from its fund balance, a strategic move that has been in the works for several years to support ongoing and upcoming capital projects, including a new wastewater treatment plant and various road improvements.

Barnes highlighted that while the overall budget appears to grow substantially, much of this increase is attributed to these planned expenditures rather than a surge in operational costs. The general fund, which supports essential services like the Sheriff's Office and emergency medical services, remains balanced, with reserves exceeding policy minimums even after accounting for the fund balance usage.

A notable aspect of the budget is the proposed rollback of the county's millage rate by 3%, a move aimed at easing the tax burden on residents. This rollback is significant as it aligns with the Carter-Burns floating exemption, which limits the increase in taxable property values. The commissioners expressed their commitment to maintaining fiscal responsibility while addressing the needs of the community.

In addition to the budget discussions, the meeting touched on personnel changes, with a proposed increase of 18.47 full-time equivalents (FTEs) in the general fund. This includes new positions for school resource officers and adjustments to existing roles to better align with departmental needs. The overall personnel budget is set to rise by 7%, reflecting the county's commitment to investing in its workforce.

As the meeting concluded, the board acknowledged the importance of community support for SPLOST initiatives, which play a vital role in funding infrastructure and public services. The next meeting, scheduled for June 17, will provide an opportunity for further discussion and potential adoption of the budget, marking a pivotal moment in shaping the county's financial landscape for the coming year.