Horry County is currently in the process of assembling the RIDE IV Commission. The commission is a panel that consists of three county appointees and three city appointees. Mandated by state law, this commission holds the real power in all things RIDE IV.
The City of North Myrtle Beach has put forward two names to serve on the commission, Jay Baldwin and Benjy Hardee.
Baldwin serves on North Myrtle Beach City Council. Locals have him pegged as the likely candidate to replace current Mayor Marilyn Hatley should she decide not to run again.
Benjy Hardee is a local developer and owner of A.O. Hardee & Son. A.O. Hardee & Son, Inc. is a General and Specialty Contractor that has been providing highway construction, road construction, and specialty construction to the Carolinas since 1955.
The RIDE IV commission focuses on road-improvement projects. These projects are funded by a voter-approved penny sales taxes collected over the course of several years.
By early 2024, the commission will have narrowed its project list and will then present recommendations for a voter referendum.
Spring 2024, the Horry County Council will vote on the ballot question, including the list of projects.
In the November 2024 general election, Horry County voters will decide if they agree to pay for these projects with sales tax proceeds.
If the referendum passes, the county would begin collecting the extended sales tax for RIDE IV on May 1, 2025. A 1% sales tax on all retail sales, prepared food/beverage and accommodations will be collected to pay for the road projects. Groceries (unprepared food) will be exempt from the sales tax.
The Ride IV sales tax will be collected through April 30, 2032.
Horry County officials say the program should generate $600-$700 million for road work.