North Myrtle Beach Officials Under Fire Over Mahaney’s Personnel File
What’s Going On?
North Myrtle Beach is buzzing with chatter as officials remain tight-lipped about the circumstances surrounding former city manager Mike Mahaney’s recent paid leave. On September 19, the city council decided to place Mahaney on paid administrative leave, and it seems like since then, communication has hit a bumpy road.
The Ghost of Mahaney’s File
What’s particularly interesting—or rather frustrating—is that North Myrtle Beach has yet to release Mahaney’s personnel file. Despite numerous requests from media outlets, those in charge aren’t saying much. In fact, this lack of transparency raises eyebrows because it seems to be a violation of the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act laws. Taylor Smith, an attorney with the South Carolina Press Association, pointed out that knowing about how public officials, especially a city manager, perform their duties is key for community governance.
Why the Silence?
In an email shot over to Mayor Marilyn Hatley and other key city officials, a local citizen raised concerns and asked for comments regarding the delay in releasing Mahaney’s file. Interestingly, only one response came back from Councilman Harry ‘Hank’ Thomas, who merely said, “I will ask why the delay…” Talk about vague! After that, silence fell again as residents and reporters alike tried reaching out to Mayor Hatley with no answers coming their way.
Attempts at Communication
Last week, the folks in North Myrtle Beach tried to get some clarity through calls and voicemails to Mayor Hatley. But instead of a direct answer, the mayor directed the city’s Public Information Officer, Lauren Jessie, to reach out via email. “How can I help you?” the email read. But when the request for Mayor Hatley to discuss the matter more thoroughly was sent, there was still no follow-up, leaving folks yearning for a more in-depth understanding.
Mahaney’s Next Steps
Now, here’s where it gets a bit more complicated. Under state law, Mahaney can request a public hearing about his termination. He did just that, waiting until the last possible day to put that in writing. His request stated, “Please respond tomorrow morning acknowledging receipt of this email,” which added another layer of anticipation for everyone involved. As of Monday morning, there has been no date set for this public hearing, even though the law states it should occur within 20 to 30 days of the request. All eyes are now squarely on October to see what transpires.
Community Frustration
The quietness from city officials is not just a minor annoyance—it’s leading to a broader frustration among those who call North Myrtle Beach home. As a community that thrives on open communication and transparency, residents deserve to know what’s happening behind the scenes. After all, keeping them informed is critical for the trust and harmony that keeps a city moving smoothly.
What’s Next?
As the city grapples with communication issues and the legal implications surrounding Mahaney’s personnel file, one thing is for sure: the people of North Myrtle Beach want answers. Whether it’s through a public hearing or some other means, getting the lowdown on the city’s management and decisions is essential for maintaining the voice and interest of the local community. For now, residents can only wait and hope that their representatives remember who they serve—the public!
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.
