PINOPOLIS, SC — After a two-day workshop, council members for the City of North Myrtle Beach said taxes will not be increased for residents.
North Myrtle Beach Council members and city staff gathered for a budget workshop in Pinopolis, SC, where multiple issues for the fiscal year 2023 were discussed. Total budgeted expenditures for 2023 are projected to be more than $162 Million.
Three major projects for the City of North Myrtle Beach include:
-Stormwater Drainage Fund – which includes the construction of an ocean outfall at 18th Avenue North costing approximately $15 million for fiscal year 2023
-Initial Funding of an EOC & Data Management Center at an estimated cost of $12 million
-Parks and Recreation Expansion at a projected cost of $31 million
Randy Wright, Finance Director, said taxes for residents will not be raised for these projects. Wright says the millage rate is projected to remain at 45 mils for the next five years.
The ocean outfall at 18th avenue will be funded by the Stormwater Drainage Fund, from funds State Budget provided by an ask from Representative William Bailey.
A new EOC & Data Management Center will be built on the west side of the Intracoastal Waterway at an estimated cost of $12 million.
Council members also heard from John Bullard, Director for Parks and Recreation. Bullard showcased a major expansion project at the NMB Park and Sports Complex. The expansion is projected to cost $31 million.
The project includes a new splash park, Family Entertainment Center, and new ball fields. Plans include six new baseball/softball fields. There will also be five multipurpose fields for soccer, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, etc.
The Family Entertainment Center includes arcade games and rooms families can reserve for birthday parties, along with a food court.
The expansion will mean the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex will grow to more than 250 acres. The Splash Pad is projected to generate $750,000 to $1 million per year. The expanded Christmas Village and Christmas Light Show are projected to generate more than $1.2 million in revenue.