The City of Myrtle Beach is appealing the Hospitality Tax Lawsuit settlement handed down by The Honorable William H Seals, Jr. this past Tuesday.
“This appeal is necessary to finally determine the rights of the other members of the class — those who paid the Hospitality Fee to Horry County during the period when it was in dispute — regarding distribution of the portion of the $19 million common fund that was not otherwise resolved by the settlement agreement,” the city said.
“The other provisions of the settlement agreement provide a far better arrangement for the City of Myrtle Beach and its residents as they allow the city to keep and use the full amount of the Hospitality Fee collected within the city limits,” Mayor Brenda Bethune said.
Retiring Myrtle Beach City Manager John Pedersen reached out to MyrtleBeachSC News with the following quote, “Our attorneys have advised that this appeal is necessary in order to shield the city from any potential liability related to a suit that may be brought by a potential claimant. That’s the reason. If the Court affirms Judge Seals’ ruling on the matter, we are protected from such a claim, and I promise we will be delighted with that result. Please note that the City’s bill from outside litigation counsel will not change as a result of the Supreme Court’s final ruling on Rule 23.“
Potential future claimants could include tourists and residents who actually paid the taxes.