During the County's annual budget retreat, Horry County Council passed the first of three readings of a Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget that would maintain the necessary level of service for the Horry County community without tax or fee increases.
The FY 2026 Spring Budget Planning Retreat on Thursday, April 10, 2025, was a follow-up to the Fall Budget Planning Retreat on Friday, Dec. 12, 2024.
During the retreat, County Council and Executive Staff discussed the County's current financial position, financial needs to maintain the same level of service for community members, and innovations and improvements that could broaden service offerings.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Horry County Council gave a positive vote to approve the first reading of a FY 2026 budget that would increase no tax or fee increases.
County Council also discussed the potential for a Local Option Sales Tax referendum in a future year.
If such a tax is found to be possible, Council suggests it would primarily be paid by those from outside of our area (i.e. tourists and visitors), while the revenue generated would invoke a property tax rollback for homeowners, ultimately reducing property taxes for residents.
All documents associated with the FY 2026 Spring retreat can be found on the County calendar: https://www.horrycountysc.gov/calendar/event/564
Second reading of the FY 2026 budget is scheduled for the County Council meeting on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
As always, the budget will require third readings and public hearing before adoption. Once read and approved, the FY 2026 budget would go into effect on July 1, 2025.