North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years
By Ruben Lowman
In a landmark move that signals the rapid transformation of the Grand Strand, the Horry County Council gave first-reading approval recently to a fiscal year 2027 budget totaling $1.04 billion.
This is the first time in the county’s history that the budget has breached the billion-dollar mark, representing a massive $172 million increase over the current year.
For local residents, the most welcome news is that this record-breaking spending comes without a proposed property tax increase, as the millage rate remains steady at 52.1 mils.
County Administrator Barry Spivey noted that just 15 years ago, the budget was a mere $300 million, illustrating the “tremendous growth” that now brings an average of 20 to 30 new residents to the area every single day.
The lion’s share of the general fund, roughly 62 percent, is dedicated to public safety. To bolster local first responders, the budget adds 49 new county positions, with 38 of those specifically for public safety departments.
Additionally, all 3,441 county employees are slated for a four percent cost-of-living raise.
For residents in Little River, the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) specifically carves out $3.5 million for the Little River waterfront, alongside significant investments in stormwater projects and road repairs throughout the northern end of the county.
In a nod to local rural heritage, Councilman Al Allen successfully secured an increase in county support for the Loris Bog Off and Aynor Hoe Down festivals, raising their contributions to $20,000 each.
While property taxes are holding firm, the council is looking at other ways to fund the infrastructure needed for a population that has surged to an estimated 427,000 residents.
This includes proposed increases for EMS charges and planning fees, as well as a heated debate over impact fees on new construction.
Some councilmembers pushed back against high fees for businesses, arguing that Horry County must remain “business-friendly.”
The council ultimately approved “Option T,” a plan designed to slash impact fees for new businesses while shifting more of the infrastructure burden onto residential developers. The council will hold two more readings to finalize this massive spending plan.
