Effingham County Industrial Development Authority, Board of Commissioners and School District Announce Historic Property Tax Relief, Jumpstarting Project Zero

August 24, 2026

SPRINGFIELD, Ga. — Effingham County is preparing for the largest property tax reduction in its history, made possible through the success of Project Camellia and in partnership with the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority (ECIDA). Property owners could receive approximately 6 mills of combined tax relief this year, including a proposed County millage reduction to be considered by the Board of Commissioners on September 1. If approved, this relief would provide an immediate jumpstart to Project Zero, Effingham County’s long-term initiative to eliminate County homestead property taxes.

As part of the benefits generated by the land sale associated with Project Camellia, the ECIDA will suspend its 2-mill property tax levy for the duration of OpenAI’s tax abatement agreement. This suspension will deliver direct tax relief to all property owners in Effingham County.

“This is a defining moment for Effingham County and for the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority,” said Matt Saxon, Chair of the ECIDA board. “The funds received from this land sale represent thoughtful planning, targeted investment and disciplined economic development. It provides our team an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen the economic foundation that will support Effingham County for decades to come.”

The ECIDA will also provide the Effingham County Board of Commissioners with $30 million annually for three years to support additional property tax relief. At its September 1 meeting, the Board will consider using a portion of these funds to provide approximately 2 mills of County-wide property tax relief this year. If approved, this reduction would produce immediate savings for property owners. The funding will also support approximately 2 mills of relief for the Effingham County School District, generating additional savings for local taxpayers.

“This property tax relief represents a significant benefit for Effingham County families,” said Dr. Yancy Ford, Superintendent of Effingham County Schools. “We are grateful for the opportunity to provide meaningful relief to our taxpayers while continuing to protect the resources necessary to provide an exceptional education for our students. This partnership demonstrates how we can support both our schools and the families and businesses that invest in our community.”

If the proposed County millage reduction is approved on September 1, these actions together are expected to deliver approximately 6 mills of combined property tax relief.

This proposed reduction marks an important step toward Project Zero, with the next phase planned for 2027. If voters approve the Local Homeowners Incentive Adjustment Grant (LHIAG) referendum in November, approximately $13 million of the ECIDA payment would be used to eliminate County homestead property taxes beginning in 2027.

“Project Zero is our commitment to finding a responsible path toward eliminating county property taxes for homeowners, and today we are significantly closer to that goal,” said District 3 Commissioner Jamie DeLoach. “Project Camellia gives us an opportunity to begin providing meaningful tax relief now, while building the bridge to permanent County homestead property tax relief measures. This is exactly how we envisioned Project Zero working—using the strength of our economy and responsible financial planning to put money back into the pockets of Effingham County residents.”

Additional Statewide Property Tax Relief

Separate from Project Zero, Effingham County homeowners will also benefit from statewide property tax relief approved by the Georgia General Assembly. Using excess state revenues, lawmakers approved a $500 property tax credit for qualifying homestead properties.

"Georgia has been fortunate to maintain a strong financial position, and when the state has excess revenues, I believe we should look for opportunities to return those dollars to taxpayers," said State Representative Bill Hitchens. "This $500 property tax credit will provide direct relief to homeowners across Georgia and help families keep more of their hard-earned money."

Looking Forward

Project Camellia has accelerated the goals of Project Zero and created an opportunity to deliver substantial property tax relief earlier than expected. Pending consideration of the proposed millage reduction on September 1, Effingham County is poised to take another major step toward that goal this year. This historic opportunity marks just the beginning, and additional relief is expected in the years ahead as the County continues to build a sustainable path toward lower property taxes for residents.

For more information about Project Zero—including timelines, FAQs, step-by-step guides and education resources—visit https://projectzero.effinghamcounty.org

To learn more or sign up for weekly updates on Project Camellia, visit https://projectcamelliaeffingham.com 

###