The Myrtle Beach City budget has significantly expanded under the Bethune Administration from 2018’s $184 million to the proposed 2026 budget of $361 million, marking a 96% increase.

During the Bethune Administration, the debt of Myrtle Beach increased from $177 million to $255 million, following the recent approval of $40 million for the convention center and A&I district. This represents a growth of 44%.

This increase in debt raises important discussions about fiscal responsibility and the long-term sustainability of the city’s financial health. The growing debt burden poses questions about how the city will manage its obligations and whether the anticipated increase in revenue will be sufficient to cover these costs. Analyzing the city’s debt-to-revenue ratio could provide insights into its financial strategies and future planning.

Challenges and Opportunities Under the Bethune Administration

Under the Bethune Administration, the City of Myrtle Beach saw a growth of up to 25% in its population. Tourism peaked at 20 million tourists in 2020 before decreasing to 17.5 million at present.

This fluctuation in tourism numbers highlights the challenges faced by the local economy, especially in light of factors such as a dated downtown area and economic shifts. The city’s efforts to promote tourism through marketing campaigns and events have struggled in attracting new visitors.

However, the recent decline in tourism raises concerns about the sustainability of local businesses that rely heavily on seasonal visitors. To counteract this decline, the city has considered diversifying its tourism offerings, promoting year-round events, and enhancing visitor experiences to ensure a stable influx of tourists.

The success of those efforts are mixed.

The Bethune Administration may have had minimal oversight due to the city council members being elected city-wide in Myrtle Beach. This system results in Market Common, Dell Webb, and Grande Dunes residents being largely underrepresented.

The implications of this underrepresentation can lead to a disconnect between the city’s leadership and its constituents, particularly those in rapidly growing areas. It raises the question of whether the current electoral system adequately reflects the diverse needs of all residents.

Community engagement initiatives could be essential in addressing these concerns, as they would provide a platform for residents to voice their opinions and influence decision-making processes that affect their neighborhoods.

The state’s enabling legislation offers various approaches. A concern often raised is the potential challenge for city council candidates living in the central area (defined as 17th South to 62nd North) to secure election as the city’s outskirts see increased population growth.

This demographic shift can create shifts in political power and influence city policy. As the outskirts grow, there may be an opportunity to reevaluate districting and representation to ensure that all areas of the city have a voice.

Implementing a district-based election system could potentially yield a more equitable representation for both urban and suburban constituents, fostering a more inclusive governance structure that truly reflects the wishes of the entire community.

In the video below, Steve Taylor, a city businessman, says, “Myrtle Beach has not preserved a whole lot of anything.” This assertion raises vital questions about Myrtle Beach downtown development, preservation of local heritage, and the balance between growth and defining the city’s unique character.

As Myrtle Beach continues to expand, it is essential for the Bethune Administration to consider the impacts of new developments on existing neighborhoods and historical sites.

Says businessman Steve Taylor, “Myrtle Beach has not done a good job of preserving anything.”

On November 5th, residents will be voting at the polls for the office of Mayor and key city council members. This upcoming election will determine not only opinions on the Bethune Administration but also residents’ stance on the significant 96% increase in the city’s budget.

Engaging voters in discussions about the budget proposals and their potential impacts on community services is crucial. Yet the city holds its budget retreat in Pinopolis, S.C.

It is important that residents understand how these financial decisions will affect their daily lives, from road maintenance and public safety to recreational programs and community events.

Hosting town hall meetings and forums can facilitate informed discussions, empowering residents to make educated choices when voting.

As Myrtle Beach looks toward the future, it will be essential for the city to address the challenges it faces while capitalizing on opportunities for growth.

The balance between development and maintaining the charm of the city is delicate, and any strategic planning should involve input from a diverse range of stakeholders, including residents and all business owners.

By fostering a collaborative approach, the Bethune Administration should work towards creating a vibrant, inclusive community that supports both its residents and the millions of tourists it attracts each year.

Additional investments in public transportation, green spaces, and cultural initiatives will not only improve the quality of life for residents but also enhance the overall visitor experience.

This ensures that Myrtle Beach remains a desirable destination for years to come.