MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)-The proposed 2016-2017 budget for the city of Myrtle Beach passed on first reading on Tuesday. One big change tax payers will notice in the new budget is an increase on utility bills. For those that have rental properties or own more than one home, you’re likely to notice a tax increase.
The increase is right at 4%. That comes down to $24 a year for a $200,000 home. That extra cash would help fund raises for city employees. City officials say some haven’t had raises in several years.
The new budget is close to 200-million dollars and includes improvements to city infrastructure, the solid waste department as well as the creation of several new jobs.
City spokesman Mark Kruea says this new budget is needed to support city growth.
“We don’t make widgets, we provide service and it requires people to provide service so we are actually adding ten full time positions and converting three others from part time to full time. We are meeting the service demands that are created by the growth in the community. We are adding people to the solid waste department so we can pick up the trash more quickly and efficiently.”
City council could approve this budget on June 28th. Some of those changes would go into effect a few days later on July 1st.
