Bills would let Horry County sales tax rise

March 20, 2009 by admin

Penny would fund tourism promotions

by Zane Wilson - For The Sun News

The state Senate is close to passing a bill that would allow Horry County and its towns to impose a new 1 percent sales tax that would be used for tourism promotion.

Where adopted, the new tax would bring sales taxes to 9 percent on most items people buy except groceries, the highest in the state.

The bill allows, but does not require, the local governments to pass the tax.

If adopted by the Horry County Council for the unincorporated areas and by all the towns, the tax would bring in $59.1 million the first year, according to an analysis from the state economist.

However, Horry County Council Chairwoman Liz Gilland said she does not support the plan.

“The locals shouldn’t have to fund tourism any more than we already do,” she said.

Backed by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Myrtle Beach Mayor John Rhodes, the twin bills are on fast tracks. The Senate version, introduced Feb. 25, is up for its crucial second reading Tuesday after receiving quick subcommittee and committee approval earlier this week.

The House version was filed Feb. 19 and has not been taken up by its committee but is expected to pass, said Rep. Tracy Edge, R-North Myrtle Beach. He is the main sponsor of the House bill, joined by four other of the county’s representatives: Alan Clemmons, R-North Myrtle Beach; Nelson Hardwick, R-Surfside Beach; George Hearn, R-Conway; and Thad Viers, R-Myrtle Beach.

Sen. Luke Rankin, R-Myrtle Beach, is the lead sponsor of the Senate bill but all three of the county’s other senators also are sponsors: Ray Cleary, R-Murrells Inlet, Dick Elliott, D-North Myrtle Beach and Yancey McGill, D-Kingstree. Read more