The City of Myrtle Beach approved its budget Tuesday for the 2015-2016 year.
The city’s approved budget totals $175 million without any tax increases, according to City of Myrtle Beach Spokesman Mark Kruea.
In addition to approving the 2015-2016 budget Tuesday, Myrtle Beach City Council also gave final approval on a 5% pay increase for police and fire employees. Kruea says the 5% jump recognizes the “significant workload and demand on personnel” in those two departments. The pay increase will go into effect during the first full pay period of July.
The budget, Kruea added, also included a merit-based salary increase of up to 3% for the city’s 850 full time workers.
Leaders also gave approval to adding 25 new city positions and the budget for a $9.8 million performing arts center got the thumbs up. Kruea told News13 there’s no word on where the center will be located.
The city also approved the purchase of Charlie’s Place – a former motel – which will be converted into a museum and community center.
