Permits for building are down, one reason why Horry County's administrator mentioned a tax increase was possible.
Like many people these days, local governments are struggling to make ends meet. City and county governments are cutting back, and now, one Horry County official has brought up the possibility of a big tax increase.
Thursday, the county administrator told county council leaders he may have to ask for a property tax increase up to the limit the state would allow. Other county officials say the budget won't be passed until next June, and many things can happen before they talk about a tax increase.
Building permits in Horry County are down 29% this year, which means county revenue from things like fees and licenses is way down, too.
But county officials say they're cutting back on spending and still many months away from having to figure next year's budget.
Liz Gilland is Horry County Council Chairman.
"It's almost absurdly early to be talking about a tax increase now," said Gilland.
Two weeks ago, Horry County voters approved a one-cent increase in the sales tax, and officials say that would lower property taxes. But, that's the school portion of the property tax bill, not county or city taxes. Officials worry some people won't be able to make that distinction.
Lisa Bourcier is Horry County's public information officer.
"I think when people get one bill and it's mailed from Horry County, they assume Horry County levies all those taxes and again, we don't. We share a tax bill together with various entities in the county," said Bourcier.
Still, Gilland says she can guarantee taxes for homeowners will not go up next year.
"Even if county council raises their taxes and I don't think we will, even if we do, because of the penny sales tax that will more than compensate for a mill or two raise and your tax bill will be lower next year, period," explained Gilland.
On the savings side, the county has nearly two-million dollars left over in a fuel contingency fund that probably won't be spent because gas prices have dropped.
The county has put a freeze on hiring.
Gilland said, "Just every way possible, everybody's looking to squeeze every dime."
She added, if the county has to raise property taxes, it would amount to no more than 10 to 12 dollars on a $100,000 home.
With that hiring freeze, the county right now has 200 vacant positions, out of about 2,000.
