Julie Harbin opened the meeting and introduced herself, Pam Creech, and Jim Paullin as the Horry County P.R.I.D.E leadership team. A fourth member, Stu Schnur was unable to attend.Two special guests were recognized and introduced: Mike Ryan, County Councilman from 4th District and Gary Loftus, Director, Coastal Carolina University’s Center for Economic and Community Development, and candidate for the County Council’s 4th District.

County Council Budget Retreat, April 3rd and 4th
Pam Creech reported that representatives of Horry County P.R.I.D.E. attended the County Council’s budget retreat to hear details of this year’s budget status. Pam Creech said there are two major factors involved in the potentially large revenue shortfall:

1) The loss of at least $4M in revenue from permits and fees due to the downturn in the building industry, and

2) The potential loss of $7M from the Assessable Transfer of Interest tax that the State Legislature is expected to repeal. The ATI subjects real property to appraisal at the fair market sale value vs. the appraised value for property tax purposes. If we lose the ATI revenue, there are not a lot of options to raise lost revenue.
If the County has to cut back, they will look at a buy back paid leave plan, no Christmas bonuses for County employees, an increase in the vacancy variance, increased car registration fees, and potential service cuts. Examples of service cuts will include the little River project, postponement of the Sanders building completion, and the deletion of the gas contingency fund. In addition, the County is looking at additional options to raise revenue (i.e., developer impact fees, Public Works Improvement Districts, Residential Improvement Districts, etc.).

Julie Harbin explained that the level of budget problems the County is facing is unprecedented. As the federal budget deficit has grown, the federal government has pushed funding for a lot of their programs onto the State which, in turn, has pushed funding to the counties.

For example, the federal government used to provide a lot of funding for roads. With national funding limited, the State is in turn limiting funding spent on roads which, by default, leaves the funding of new roads and the maintenance of old roads to the counties.

Carolina Station Update
Jim Paullin summarized a statement he presented April 10 to the Infrastructure and Regulations Committee that summarized his financial analysis of the County’s recent Carolina Station impact fee study. He concluded that the impact fee study:

1. Underestimated the population burden.

a. In Carolina Forest (a smaller development by the same developer) the demand for services exceeds the tax base.

b. International Paper Realty plans to house 38,000 people in 13,800 homes on 6200 acres. 5,300 retail staff are projected. A 15% growth over the current County population with a gigantic impact on infrastructure.

c. 70% of the total revenue in the budget comes from tax payers, and busnesses. Only 30% comes from other funding.

2. Overestimated developer contribution—which is still far below proportional fair share.

a. The developer inflated the cost of donated land at $93,000 per acre while in 2005-2007 similar land sold between 10,000 and 17,000 per acre, and

3. Underestimated the $2M annual development deficit.

Horry County P.R.I.D.E. recommended “solutions for hard times” included:

1. Postpone final approval of Carolina Station until developer makes a major increased contribution to pay proportionate “fair share,” and

2. Find ways to pay for the costs of growth through other means than direct tax increases on citizens.

County Insurance Rating
On an upbeat note, Pam reported that Paul Whitten and the public safety staff have improved the County’s overall ISO ratings that determine homeowner insurance rates. This should significantly decrease many homeowner premiums. After June, most of the County will have an ISO rating of 5.

Library Bond
The County is borrowing money to expand the J. Reuben Long Detention Center (the expansion of which is mandated by the State) and to expand 3 libraries. Horry County P.R.I.D.E. opposed the bond for the libraries saying it was paying for it on the taxpayer’s credit card at a time when there are no plans for operation of the expansions and the overall budget is at risk.

Comprehensive Plan for 2025
The Comprehensive Plan for 2025 has been approved by the County Council with the exception of the Land Use Element which should be approved Tuesday, April 22. It was noted that Julie, Pam, George Edwards, and Pat Leibetz all helped write the County Comprehensive Plan. A good job by County staff was noted, and the Plan was described as much better than we’ve had before. The Plan can be found on the County’s website (www.horrycounty.org).

Toxic Facilities
Residents near the proposed Route 701N/Mt. Pisgah Road asphalt plant and Horry County P.R.I.D.E. have been unsuccessful to date in stopping the development of a potentially toxic facility in the residential area. Pam observed that the County does not allow toxic or noxious industries such as asphalt plants in County industrial parks paid for by taxpayers…but they do allow them in taxpayer’s back yards.

Pam reported that Mt. Pisgah area residents have provided draft legislation to Representative Nelson Hardwick, and they plan to appeal the recent DHEC air quality permit.

Horry County P.R.I.D.E. Lobby Day in Columbia
Julie reported on the March 18 Horry County P.R.I.D.E. lobby day, where they met with State senators in Columbia and left copies of priority packages for representatives who were not in session. We asked our elected officials to increase state and county cooperation, to pass legislation to enable the county to raise needed revenue, and to insure smart growth.

New Horry County P.R.I.D.E. Leadership Council
Organizing each district is important to get the word out quickly and effectively. Consequently, Pam reported that she is looking for individuals willing to serve on the newly formed Leadership Council to work with Horry County P.R.I.D.E to organize the taxpayer movement in their district. Horry County P.R.I.D.E leadership is available to speak to groups to help this effort.

Additional Horry County P.R.I.D.E Activities
Julie and Pam are helping organize the SC Alliance for Retired Americans. The national Alliance is an organization with 3M members advocating on issues that affect seniors. Participation with the SC Alliance will ensure that infrastructure and natural resource issues are priorities for the group and it will give Horry County P.R.I.D.E. access to a database of Horry County seniors.

In addition, Julie and Pam are serving on the newly formed Horry County Economic Development Taskforce writing an economic development strategic plan for the county. This is another opportunity for Horry County P.R.I.D.E.to insure infrastructure and natural resources are treated as priorities by the County in upcoming years.

Deerfield South
Representatives from Deerfield South discussed ongoing problems with their development, and Horry County P.R.I.D.E. agreed to assist with their efforts.

Horry County P.R.I.D.E. Bumper Stickers
Thanks to the generosity of the Southcreek HOA, Horry County P.R.I.D.E. bumper stickers were given out at the meeting. Supporters may call Pam (222-2920) or Julie (446-4444) to make arrangements to obtain stickers.

Action Alerts
Julie reminded participants of the importance of responding ASAP to Action Alerts. Horry County P.R.I.D.E. was founded to make it easy for taxpayers to make informed decisions and take effective action. So, when an Action Alert arrives, the leadership of Horry County P.R.I.D.E. has done their work and it is time for taxpayers to take action…and the action is time sensitive.

Julie stressed that the effectiveness of our work together is measured by how many taxpayers take the time to call or write. She asked everyone to PLEASE TAKE ACTION IMMEDIATELY when you see an Action Alert come through and copy Horry County P.R.I.D.E. She said she’s been told elected officials usually hear from so few taxpayers that they open up a new file and pay attention if they get 20 calls, letters, or emails on a subject. (Imagine what could happen if they got thousands!)

Notes by: Grace Gifford

This entry was posted on Monday, April 21st, 2008 at 9:31 pm and is filed under HCP Meetings.