The South Carolina House of Representatives voted Alan Clemmons Horry County Office of Master-in-Equity with 88 yes votes, 2 no’s and several members refusing to vote.
Clemmons’ appointment will ultimately end up on Governor Henry McMaster’s desk. McMaster is expected to approve the appointment.
Clemmons has been a figure of controversy since 2008, when he first wrote the legislation granting the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce over $21 million annually in tax gifts.
His endorsement was done in secret by the local Horry County delegation. By state law, such secret endorsements are illegal.
The Horry County Office of Master-in-Equity or Equity Court is a division of the South Carolina State Circuit Court. The Master-in-Equity decides cases generally involving foreclosures, partitions, and other equity matters, such as accountings, supplemental proceedings, and any other matters involving non-jury matters in which the parties have agreed that the Master shall hear the case.
The Clemmons home was listed multiple times for lack of tax payments over the past few years. Each time the taxes were ultimately paid by Clemmons, keeping the matter out of court.