The areas in white are some of the 'doughnut holes' in the City of MB.
/ Lisa Edge
'Doughnut holes' are pockets of areas surrounded by city property but are governed by Horry County. Because of state annexation laws the City of Myrtle Beach can't just bring an area in without resident approval. In all, there are nearly 50 doughnut holes within the city limits.
The Park off 48th Ave North may be one housing development, but part of it is in the city. Across the street is Horry County territory.
Farther down at Cobblestone, located at the corner of 48th and Grissom Parkway is county property as well. Even though both are surrounded by city property.
"All these people and businesses are using city services in a sense. They're getting city water and sewer, they're driving city streets so it just makes good sense for them to pay for a lack of a better term, their fair share of maintaining the city services," says Edna Wright, Growth Coordinator for the City of Myrtle Beach.
Out of three options, the city chose the 25% annexation method. The goal is to close the doughnut hole which includes businesses and residents. "This particular method requires that resident registered voters or qualified electors to sign a petition requesting a special election to determine whether or not they'll annex."
The chosen annexation method affects about 75 people. If enough agree to a special election then only a simple majority is needed to become part of the city. "Let's just say that if ten people vote and six vote yes for annexation then that's simple majority and the property could be eligible for annexation into the city."
The next step would be city council approval. The city began collecting signatures for the petition in May and have six months to get the necessary signatures to call for a special election.
Cobblestone condo owner Robert Telass agrees with annexation. He says the quicker police response would be a worthwhile benefit.
But those against annexation have posted signs citing increased taxes.
"The taxes will go up but because the city has instituted the one cent sales tax the resident owners will get approximately 85 to 88, 90 percent tax decrease or credit," added Wright.
Wright goes on to say the increased taxes are offset by lower water and sewer costs.
As for the businesses in this doughnut hole, they don't have a vote. If the area is annexed in, they will have to pay additional city taxes. And businesses are not eligible for the tax break residents receive.
The 25% annexation method has been used once before, when Palmetto Greens joined the city.
