News Summary
The Myrtle Beach City Council has approved a $360.7 million budget for the fiscal year, with no property tax increase. The budget reflects a 9.2% increase primarily due to capital projects and operational costs, while public safety remains a significant focus. Utility rates will see increases, but the city maintains a strong financial position. Controversy surrounds a property purchase by the mayor for stormwater management. Overall, the budget aims to enhance essential services without additional tax burden on residents.
Myrtle Beach City Council Approves $360.7 Million Budget for Fiscal Year 2026
The Myrtle Beach City Council has approved a $360.7 million budget for the fiscal year 2026 during a meeting held on June 10. The budget, set to take effect on July 1, comes with no property tax increase, a decision that city officials emphasized reflects the city’s strong financial health.
The new budget represents a 9.2% increase from the current budget. This rise is attributed to various factors, with capital improvement projects accounting for 2% of the growth, while the operating budget increased by 7.2%. The city aims to build on its current success and continue providing essential services to its residents.
Utility Rate Increases and Public Safety Investment
Despite not raising property taxes, the budget does include increases in utility rates. Customers will experience a 9% increase in water and sewer rates, a 3.5% increase in solid waste rates, and a significant 22% increase in stormwater services. For residential users, these adjustments will amount to an approximate increase of $9.84 per month.
A major emphasis of the budget is on public safety, which is allocated 59.6% of the overall budget. This includes a focused effort on employee retention and recruitment, highlighted by a proposed 5% salary increase for city employees to remain competitive in the public safety market. Investments in technology, including advanced surveillance systems, have also been earmarked to enhance crime-solving capabilities.
Capital Improvement Plans
The city has implemented a five-year capital improvement plan totaling $60.7 million for the upcoming fiscal year. Key projects include the construction of Fire Station No. 1, replacements for bridges and bulkheads at Grand Park, playground renovations, upgrades to Pelicans Ballpark, and essential replacements for sewer pump stations. Mayor Bethune noted the importance of reinvesting in city infrastructure to avoid higher costs down the line.
Healthy Financial Position and Controversial Property Purchase
The city’s financial situation is robust, with a fund balance reported at 23.2%, instilling confidence in its operational stability. In a related decision, the city has opted to purchase the $650,000 Jackson Street property, sparking criticism due to a perceived conflict of interest as Mayor Brenda Bethune owns the land. The city plans for this property to be transformed into a stormwater retention pond.
Mayor Bethune initially sought the Jackson Street property in 2016 when she was not serving as mayor and later acquired it through a land exchange. To address community concerns surrounding the acquisition, she decided to donate her 1.45-acre property for stormwater management, emphasizing her commitment to the public good. The formal deed transfer for the Jackson Street property is scheduled for December 21, 2026.
City Officials’ Priorities
City council members and officials have reiterated that the budget aligns with their commitment to enhancing public safety and addressing competitive salary concerns for city employees. The budget plan reflects a strategic approach to managing resources while providing necessary public services and ensuring community safety.
Overall, Myrtle Beach City Council’s approval of the budget indicates a proactive stance against future financial challenges while prioritizing the needs of its residents, all without imposing an additional tax burden.
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- My Horry News: Myrtle Beach Leaders Approve $360.7M Budget
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
