Horry County spokesperson Lisa Bourcier said the county has spent more than $15,000 in attorney fees alone during the various appeals process regarding the Atlantic Beach elections and the cost could increase even more.
The county oversaw the town's May 22nd election per Governor Nikki Haley's order after the town's election commission threw out the November elections results and failed to set a new date.
Mayor Retha Pierce and Councilwoman Windy Price appealed May's results after they lost the mayoral race to Councilman Jake Evans.
During the two month appeals process, the county hired outside counsel to assist with these appeals, Bourcier added.
Wednesday, Circuit Judge Larry Hyman dismissed Pierce's appeal stating there was no evidence of fraud or impropriety.
Circuit Judge J. Derham Cole heard Price's appeal last Thursday.
This Thursday afternoon, a spokesperson with Cole's office said the judge has not ruled on the appeal and is still taking Price's appeal and the county's argument against it into advisement.
There's no word on when he will make his decision.
Bourcier said if the parties continue to appeal up to the SC Supreme Court the cost will continue to increase.
