North Myrtle Beach Approves $211.9 Million Budget Without Tax Increase

News Summary

North Myrtle Beach has officially approved a budget of $211.9 million for the upcoming fiscal year, maintaining the property tax rate for residents. This budget allocates funds for crucial infrastructure improvements, including significant investments in the city’s water and sewer systems. City Manager Ryan Fabbri has indicated that a property tax increase may be considered in the future due to declining revenue. The budget also plans for employee pay raises and enhanced public safety measures with updated equipment and staffing.

North Myrtle Beach Approves $211.9 Million Budget for Fiscal Year 2026 Without Property Tax Increase

North Myrtle Beach city leaders have approved a budget totaling $211.9 million for the fiscal year 2026, a move made official during a city council meeting on June 23. Notably, the newly approved budget maintains the property tax rate, ensuring there will be no increase for residents this year.

City Manager Ryan Fabbri has expressed that a property tax increase may be necessary in the following fiscal year due to decreased property tax revenue projections. For fiscal year 2026, the existing property tax millage remains at 45 mills per $1,000 of assessed property value. City officials project the property taxes will generate approximately $27.2 million this year, marking a decline from the estimated $28.3 million revenue in 2025.

Budget Allocations and Infrastructure Improvements

The approved budget outlines significant allocations for capital improvements, with $35.7 million earmarked specifically for enhancements to the city’s water and sewer infrastructure. Within this allocation, $20 million is set aside for water transmission improvements, which includes a $10 million investment for a new transmission line connecting to Myrtle Beach.

In response to rising costs from the Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority, the city plans to increase water fees by seven cents and sewer fees by eight cents. This adjustment is aimed at covering the enhanced operational expenses linked to these services.

Employee Compensation and Staffing Increases

To support city operations effectively, the budget incorporates employee pay raises based on comparisons with other governmental jurisdictions in the region. This financial planning has resulted in an increase in personnel and training costs from $41.2 million to $48.9 million. Furthermore, the number of full-time staff positions is set to rise from 505 to 554, which includes the addition of 14 new employees within the fire department.

Public Safety Equipment Investments

Investments in public safety have been prioritized with significant allocations for equipment upgrades. The budget includes provisions for:

• Purchasing 10 new patrol vehicles for the North Myrtle Beach Police Department at a cost of $720,000.
• Acquiring an SUV and a transit van for the North Myrtle Beach Fire Department totaling $165,000.
• Spending $350,000 on a pre-emption system designed to alter traffic signals during emergencies.
• Allocating $765,000 for state-of-the-art computers and radios for the police force.

Additionally, $12 million has been budgeted for the construction of Fire Station No. 7, reflecting a commitment to bolstering fire services in the community.

Focus on Sports Tourism

The city is also placing emphasis on enhancing sports tourism, as reflected in the ongoing development of the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex. This initiative aims to attract more visitors and create a vibrant atmosphere for sports and recreational activities.

Future Considerations

While the current budget avoids a property tax increase, preparations for potential changes in the following fiscal year are already being discussed. Officials recognize the importance of balancing the city’s financial health with community needs and infrastructure development, making strategic planning essential for the years to come.

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Additional Resources

• My Horry News: North Myrtle Beach Passes $211.9M Budget
• WMBF News: North Myrtle Beach Home Development Approval
• WPDE: Amazon’s New Same-Day Facility in North Myrtle Beach
• Myrtle Beach Online: Local News Update
• Encyclopedia Britannica: North Myrtle Beach

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.