Horry County Councilman Harold Worley spoke openly tonight about the Myrtle Beach City-Horry County Hospitality mediation settlement. Members of both municipalities are bringing forward a draft of the $41 million annual tax lawsuit negotiated agreement.
The agreement, between the two municipalities, has not yet been released to the public. Worley says he is opposed to the deal.
“We have offered all along to give Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside and others every penny of their money,” Councilman Worley said. “The only difference is they’re going to tack a $7 million attorney fee bill on it. Well, I am not going to vote for it.”
Worley was addressed by Horry County Attorney Arrigo Carrotti, who asked that the negotiations remain confidential. Said Worley, “Hell, if I am in contempt, put me in jail. I will not be a party to pay attorneys’ fees to the tune of $7 million when the deal, there was no argument. The arguments has been how much attorney fees they can get out of the taxpayer.”
The matter was later discussed in Horry County Council Executive session. Worley refused to participate.