City Council gives first reading to $202 million budget for Fiscal Year 2019-20

During Tuesday’s meeting, the Myrtle Beach City Council gave its initial approval to a $202 million dollar budget for next year.  It includes 10 new police officers as part of the city’s continued emphasis on public safety.  To afford the extra police positions, the budget requires a three mill tax increase.  For an owner-occupied home valued at $200,000, that’s an additional $24 per year.  A commercial property valued at $200,000 would pay an extra $36 per year.

As presented, the budget includes a few rate increases.  For example, water rates will increase seven percent, while sewer rates will increase five percent.  Both of these increases are to keep up with the wholesale cost and provide ongoing system maintenance.  For the average family that uses 7,500 gallons of water per month, the combined increase will mean an additional $2.90 per month.    

Residential solid waste fees also will climb by $4.75 per month in the proposed budget.  As proposed, the monthly cost will rise from $26.05 to $30.80 for weekly garbage, recycling, bulky junk and yard waste collection.  The increase will fund a new solid waste crew (six staff members and four vehicles), along with a new emphasis on halting and cleaning up after illegal dumping.  If approved, these increased fees will appear in August utility bills. 

Other highlights of the proposed budget include continuation of the police recruitment and retention plan, preliminary engineering for a future municipal complex, maintenance and renovation of recreation facilities and continued planning for downtown redevelopment. 

The budget requires a second and final reading, which must occur before it takes effect on July 1.  For more information, see https://www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com/1st%20Reading%20Budget%20Highlights%20Presentation.pdf.