Early Tax Relief Amendment Proposal

We need genuine long-term tax relief, not the typical politics of "cut them now and raise them back a little at a time" and higher than before.  The only solution is millage caps.  Please read on.

The city council is attempting to introduce state legislation to amend the "1% Tourism Fee" law for the goal of giving the 90% tax rebate to the owner-occupied residential property owner 1 year early.  While I applaud and support such, I would also like to suggest that caps are placed on millage increases over the 10 year period in which this relief will be returned to the people.

The tax relief works like this:  On a $200,000 property you would pay 64.4 mills of tax and that would equal $515.20 of city taxes. With the tax relief in place, you are now going to be charged $56.80.  Now that's a tax break!

However, if the council decides a year from now to increase millage, lets say double, your bill would only be about $100, again substantially lower then what you used to pay.  But when this program ends, where will you be then?  Your taxes could be double or triple what you're paying today.  That's why I propose millage caps based on either the Consumer Price Index, or another formula that is adjusted annually. 

The State of South Carolina did just this in the late 90's with a huge tax credit, however the millage increased over time at a rate not quantified.  So, in the interest of good government, please ask your council members to support such, or ask your State Legislators to add this proposal into the amendment for real tax relief.

Governmental Transparency

 

When we speak of transparency and accountability in government, most citizens feel that this just doesn't exist today.  However, I would like to applaud the city for their continued work on this issue. Easily accessible online features include the city’s weekly check register; the annual budget; and the new penny tax calculator; all very important tools for our citizens to view and use.  However, there is more that I would like for our city to do.  I feel that having council meetings in the evening time, so that the taxpayers of Myrtle Beach can attend, would be a better way for all citizens and businesses to take an active part in the process.  There is no other elected body in all of Horry County that meets before 5pm, it’s time for Myrtle Beach to follow suit.  Also, if elected I will seek other opportunities to make city council more transparent and accountable.

 

1% Tourism Fee Accountability

 

One of the biggest issues to date is the 1% Tourism Fee that is now law in the City of Myrtle Beach.  The collection of this fee is then forwarded to the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce for distribution of, and for the specific purpose of, out-of-market tourism promotion, but there are accountability questions.  I would encourage the chamber and the city to allow for full disclosure of these funds and expenditures, whether by website, through media, or an independent oversight group made up of city council, chamber leaders, and residents.  This allows the taxpayers of such a window into the process of collection and expenditure.  In addition, I will ask the chamber to provide measurable results of the success of this advertising campaign.  As pointed out by WMBF News, this fee structure legislatively requires property tax relief.

 

Economic Recovery in May

 

Last fall City Council took major steps in the elimination of motorcycle events during the month of May.  I have received numerous questions and comments regarding what will replace the May income that funded jobs and businesses for many years.  While I certainly understand the reasons for this decision, the end result has had a negative economic effect on our community.  I propose a comprehensive “Recovery Team” type approach to rebuilding, re-growing, and the re-planning for future tourist related, and locally recognized events that will be pleased by all. One option may be a “Memphis in May” type theme and/or events.   As the chamber is using the 1% fee to bring people back to the beach, our community should also be involved with its own future.  In this regard we must all be proactive, and hopefully in a short amount of time we will realize a resurgence of May activities and commerce for everyone that calls Myrtle Beach home.

 

Arts Tourism

I subscribe to a quote from Mayor Cicilline of Providence, RI.  “Art holds the power to create a shared cultural language, to connect communities, and to transform the urban environment. A vibrant arts and cultural community is essential to the health and well being of our citizens, and is what guarantees the quality of place that makes our city unique.” 

I pledge to be another voice for the Arts community and the needed tourism it provides, as well as support the long overdue funding and related demands of such a vital and social community need.

City/County Relations 

 

Most folks who have lived here for a couple of  years or more can tell you the city and county have bumped heads from time to time.  I've lived in, worked for, and served on numerous boards and commissions in the county, and now I have a home in the city.  I have a unique understanding of how county government works and I know the council members.  This experience gives me invaluable opportunities to assist in relationship building, and ultimately mutual understanding, compromise and continued positive working conditions. What is good for the city is good for the county, and as such, the likewise is true.  Communication is the key and I pledge to be part of this process.

 

Senior Citizens and Services
 
My parents, in their eighties, live here, and they need community support and deserve quality healthcare, as well as a good quality of life.  I want to make sure our seniors are served, and served well.  I will pledge to make a commitment to understanding their unique needs and wants in the hopes of making a difference in their lives; quite frankly, they deserve it.  We are lucky to have a growing and viable senior community; thank you seniors for being a part of it.

 

Airport Commerce Park
 
A brand new and exciting commerce park on the former MB Air Force Base is developing.  This will ultimately bring our community good and higher paying jobs, diversification of economy, and new business.  As a board member and Vice Chair of the group assigned to promote this new enterprise, the Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation, I have a unique understanding and crucial input in moving and forging this project forward.  This is a critical piece in the economic puzzle in the greater Myrtle Beach Area.

 

Transportation
 
Backgate Bypass Gridlock – How often are you sitting in bumper to bumper traffic heading to Market Commons or toward the south strand?   What about traversing back northbound toward Myrtle Beach or Highway 501?  There is a solution to this problem, but it is not coming quickly.  We are currently paying a penny tax on the RIDE 2 "Road Improvement Development Effort" for the new Highway 17 Bypass Flyover at the back gate of the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, now referred to as the Market Commons entrance way.  This work is scheduled to begin next year and be completed by 2013.  Anything I can do keep this project moving forward while working closely with our county leaders and SCDOT, I will do so.  In the meantime, if there are low cost solutions to improving the gridlock occurring on 17 Bypass, I will pursue them.  I am currently working with those who make those decisions because this is not just a local problem.
 
Mass Transit - Long overdue in Myrtle Beach, it’s time to reevaluate, refocus and recharge the goal of allowing our visitors another option to travel from the airport, to the hotel, to the mall, to the restaurant, to the golf course.  We don’t need to reinvent the wheel.  Surely a great mass transit model must exist.  We have a great mass transit company here already and the utilization of this is critical to the solution.  I propose a “Two-Part Plan”.  First, a plan or system for our existing buses, roadways, and infrastructure, one that visitors know is on time, safe, and efficient.  Second, a long-term plan for 10-20 years out, that may include things such as light rail, high-speed rail, and monorail.  We cannot just keep building roads because that is not the solution to the problem.
 
City Beautification

Myrtle Beach has many nice areas to enjoy peace and tranquility.  One of the duties of government is to maintain an appropriate level of enjoyment termed “Quality of Life”, and Myrtle Beach does it well.  However sometimes we miss opportunities.  A good example is the 21st Avenue N. Sewer Line Project.  The city plans a project on one of the main and most heavily traveled corridors into the hotel district in Myrtle Beach, as well as the gateway to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.  The entire center of the roadway is dug up, and construction takes place, then the center of the roadway is paved over again. Why not also plan a streetscape, plant palm trees, add ornate brick work, or some other improvement before such is complete?  It just seems the opportunity was lost.  We are advertising to the world what a great place Myrtle Beach is, and increasing the aesthetics of the city will get us there.  I propose either utilizing a current board or assigning a new board specifically geared for the task of review and recommendation for potential improvements to our beautiful city.
 

Taxes

I pledge, if elected, that I will have a “No New Tax” policy.  As a businessman, I understand I cannot operate my business by simply raising my prices.  If I do so, I surely will lose business.  I must find solutions to excess spending, become a more cost-efficient operation, and continue to prepare for future needs.  The city is a business, it has employees with needs, and services to provide its customers called taxpayers, and it must operate within its financial constraints.  We are inundated with city, county, state, and federal taxes.  I will not just take this pledge, I also promise to make recommendations as issues present themselves.  I know what it’s like to create a payroll, while also paying for my family needs.  You can be assured I will be involved in all financial discussions and decisions that are relevant to keeping taxes low and providing service that exceeds expectations. And...If a tax increase is ever necessary, it should only be done within the scope of a referendum thereby allowing all citizens the ability to be involved in the process.
 
Parking Meters
 
These are the famous visitors who come in around Memorial Day and stay until Labor Day.  Some say they are a great enforcement tool, others say they are necessary to avoid abuse of parking spaces, and others say they are a revenue generating tool, but most agree they are a nuisance.  Personally, I would much rather a tourist visiting with us remember how much fun they had here, instead of the parking ticket and the aggravation and frustration of receiving such.  I promise to thoroughly analyze the use of such, and make appropriate recommendations regarding meters. The goals of appropriateness, the use of warning tickets on certain days, or even the entire elimination of parking meters must be re-evaluated.
 
Our Beaches
 
Deepwater Outfalls – Our beaches need not have signs posted that say "Beach Closed" ever again.  Not so many years ago, daily reports were in the newspapers, on the internet, as well as local and national news.  Let’s say no to the bacterium which plagues our drainage system, let’s aggressively pursue funding and continue deep water outfall projects.  Congressman Henry Brown was crucial in the fight to get federal money pre-appropriated, about eighteen million dollars worth.  I support all efforts in continuing to build and strengthen our relationship with Washington.  Also, a better system of signs and notices should be maintained in all outfalls.  How often do we walk on the beach and see some family playing in the polluted storm water drainage outfalls, right next to the sign warning of such?  If bigger is better, then I pledge to get these areas properly displayed and noticed.
 
Lifeguards –Thank goodness for them, however, unfortunately, needless deaths still occur.  Rip Tides, our primary source of such disastrous events, happen here all summer long.  We are almost numb to the reports coming in on the radio, TV, or the newspaper, but what about our visitors?  Do they know of the horrific consequences of swimming too deep?  Is there something we can do better to notify them and alert them to the potential danger?  I do not want newspapers in Ohio, Georgia or New Jersey printing that some family was here on vacation, and someone died in Myrtle Beach.  Our beach lifeguards, and the businesses that operate such, are a vital need to our community, and should not bare the blame for the professional service they provide.  We need to strive to create a better alert system and educate beachgoers about the natural dangers of our coastline.