Horry County Council passed first reading of its budget Friday, which includes money for more officers and the library in Carolina Forest .
The budget includes $320,000 for four more officers to serve in the Horry County Police Department South Precinct, designated for the Carolina Forest area. Horry County spokeswoman Lisa Bourcier says that will include the officers' salaries, patrol cars and equipment.
The $130 million budget also includes some money for staff and materials for the Carolina Forest Library.
It does not include a pay raise for county employees. It's been three years since they've had in an increase, but the raises are not off the table. Council said it would consider some increase as it moves toward the second and third readings of the budget. The budget needs three readings to pass.
The budget also does not include any increase in taxes or fees. The fire department recently asked for an increase for equipment and pay raises. It was not considered.
The budget does include $1.8 million for the Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation. Horry County is in its second year of a five year contract with the MBRED.
It also includes $1,055,000 for Coast Regional Transit Authority.
Council has to pass the budget by June 30. It starts July 1.
