Myrtle Beach City Council approves a 2020-21 budget of $193.7 million

Myrtle Beach plans no change in property taxes and no fee increases for next year’s budget. During Tuesday’s meeting, the Myrtle Beach City Council gave second reading to a tight budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. Council approved a 2020-21 spending plan of $193.7 million. That’s down $7.8 million from the current fiscal year. 

The proposed budget calls for no property tax increase and no rate increases for water, sewer, stormwater or recreation and Convention Center services. It does include money for 10 new police officers, thanks to a federal grant that pays 75 percent of their salaries for the next three years. The city will fund the remaining 25 percent, along with two new police cars, equipment and training.

Otherwise, next year’s budget features: limited capital outlays; no new general capital projects; a suspension of fleet replacements; a delay in filling staff vacancies; a continued limit on use of temporary and part-time staff; suspension of merit and/or market pay increases; management of overtime expenses; and a suspension of the holiday bonus. The plan strives to keep service levels unchanged and sustain essential service to the community and visitors, in a tight economic environment. Public Safety accounts for 57 percent of the General Fund, or $48.3 million for Police and Fire. The General Fund provides core city services through property taxes, business license fees and other general revenues. Enterprise funds are fee-based city services, including the water and sewer systems and solid waste collection.