News Summary
Calhoun Falls, SC, faces a financial crisis as a suspicious charge from a former official’s credit card raises eyebrows. A forensic audit reveals significant wasteful spending and lack of budgeting. The town is now under investigation for potential theft and financial mismanagement, leading to public outcry over fiscal accountability. Local officials express concern about cuts to essential services, exacerbating the town’s recent turmoil amid inadequate financial oversight.
Calhoun Falls – New financial troubles have emerged in Calhoun Falls, South Carolina, as officials discovered a suspicious $1,705.09 charge from The Caravelle Resort in Myrtle Beach recorded on a former official’s credit card. This transaction occurred in June, over 200 miles away from the town’s operations. The charge was linked to Wendi Lewis, who served as the Clerk/Treasurer until her resignation in July 2025.
Current acting clerk Stephanie D. Copelan confirmed there were no town-related events or classes scheduled with the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC) during this period, raising questions about the purpose of the expense. Council members have voiced their confusion and concern regarding the legitimacy of this charge, with some suggesting it could be a case of theft. Lewis, in response to inquiries, indicated that the town’s only pertinent hotel bookings were in relation to MASC’s annual meeting, which was scheduled for July on Hilton Head Island, contradicting the Myrtle Beach charge.
A forensic audit commissioned by the state further illuminates the significant financial mismanagement the town has been experiencing. The audit identified at least $20,000 in wasteful spending and revealed that Calhoun Falls is approximately $600,000 behind on vendor payments. Alarmingly, the town has not had an approved budget for the past four years and has failed to secure an agreement on necessary utility rate increases to address debts owed to the city of Abbeville for water services.
Compounding the financial issues, the Calhoun Falls Town Hall was temporarily closed recently due to a string of staff resignations but has since reopened. There has been significant public outcry during recent council meetings, where residents have expressed growing frustration over public fund management, particularly targeting Mayor Terrico “Rico” Holland. The mayor faced intense scrutiny over allegations of misusing a town-owned vehicle, as pointed out by County Councilwoman Christine Long, who insisted on accountability among town officials.
The forensic audit revealed that the town has had $90,000 in state funds withheld due to unsubmitted audits from fiscal years 2021 through 2024. The report documented other concerning findings, such as underreported expenses, numerous transactions lacking proper documentation, and significant irregularities in credit card spending. Between fiscal years 2020 and 2024, the utility fund, which represents the town’s largest liability, faced annual deficits of nearly $300,000.
In addition, town officials engaged in questionable lease-purchase agreements totaling $690,000 without the necessary council approval, utilizing public buildings and vehicles as collateral. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is now investigating these financial irregularities that emerged from the forensic audit’s findings.
Local and state legislators have expressed concern regarding the ongoing financial mismanagement, with discussions underway about potential cuts to essential services including the police department. The audit recommended 26 corrective measures aimed at enhancing financial transparency and ensuring compliance with both state laws and local regulations.
Council members reported they have experienced challenges in obtaining clear financial information from Mayor Holland’s administration, severely affecting their capability to make informed decisions regarding the town’s fiscal future. The audit’s conclusion emphasizes the urgency of implementing swift reforms to avoid further financial instability and possible legal repercussions for responsible officials.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Audit Reveals Deep Financial Trouble in Calhoun Falls
- Wikipedia: Calhoun Falls
- WYFF4: Calhoun Falls Water Bill & Town Hall Set to Close
- Google Search: Calhoun Falls financial troubles
- Index Journal: Calhoun Falls Audit Uncovers Extensive Mismanagement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- Fox Carolina: Tempers Flare in Calhoun Falls
- Google News: Calhoun Falls forensic audit
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.
