Surfside Beach leaders talk proposed budget, push back against tax increase

SURFSIDE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) - Surfside Beach Town Council gathered for a meeting on Thursday to talk about a proposed budget that would see changes to the town’s police and fire departments.

Several staff members were present, but only a handful of community members attended the special-called meeting.

Much of the meeting involved talking about increasing the town’s millage rate from 4 to 6 units. While there were arguments the increase would give the town more room in its budget, the motion ultimately failed.

This will allow a $3,000 flat increase for full-time employees and a $1,500 increase for part-time employees.

Leaders also gave approval for plans to help fund more firefighters, as a budget change was approved to fund seven full-time positions and five part-time ones.

“We’re pretty excited that the council is going to be helping us out. So that we’ll be able to upgrade our response as well as staffing,” said Surfside Beach Fire Chief David Nelson.

While the department will be getting more funding in certain areas, Nelson said they’ve had to cut back in other parts of their budget.

“We did cut some of our training budget, to help budget the budget, but that was some extra cash, so it didn’t really affect where we’re at,” said Nelson.

Nothing on the proposed budget change is set in stone yet.

Surfside Beach Town Council will take its first of two votes on the proposed budget on May 14.

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