The Effingham County Board of Commissioners announced a new initiative Monday aimed at eliminating county government property taxes for qualifying homestead properties over the next three years, while continuing to fund public services and infrastructure.

County officials dubbed the effort “Project Zero” and said it builds on what they described as years of conservative budgeting and economic growth. The county has maintained or lowered its County Maintenance and Operations millage rate for five consecutive years while investing in public safety, infrastructure, parks and recreation and other services, according to the county.

“Project Zero is about putting our residents first,” County Manager Tim Callanan said in a statement. “As Effingham County continues to grow, we have an opportunity to use that success to reduce the financial burden on homeowners while continuing to provide the high-quality services our community deserves.”

The plan would require a series of legislative actions, local ordinances and voter-approved referendums. County officials emphasized that the initiative cannot proceed without voters approving each required referendum.

Read more at WTOC11.