Myrtle Beach City Council reviewed $231.3 million for the 2021-22  budget year

The Myrtle Beach City Council received a first look at next year’s balanced budget during a two-day retreat Thursday and Friday at the John T. Rhodes Sports Center.  As proposed, the spending plan totals $231.3 million and does not call for a property tax increase.  Recreation and solid waste fees also remain unchanged, although water, sewer and stormwater utility rates likely will increase to meet either wholesale cost hikes or capital project needs. 

The manager’s recommended budget includes 10 new police officers, along with a few other new positions, including a chief diversity officer.  It also includes salary increases for some Fire Department personnel, especially paramedics, due to the competitive nature of those positions.  Non-police city staff will receive a three-percent salary increase in January 2022, while Police Department staff will receive a four-percent salary increase in January 2022. 

The proposed budget restores many of the cuts that were made during the last two fiscal years due to COVID-19.  City Council must approve the final budget in two readings prior to the beginning of the new fiscal year on July 1.