County Council Budget Workshop

Horry County Council budget workshop, October 15, 2026, began the FY2028 budget process by hearing department enhancement and capital requests; no budget awards or procurement approvals were made. Staff reported a combined $43.5 million in enhancement requests, including about $25 million in recurring costs and 235 requested positions. Requests included public-safety staffing and equipment, court technology and staffing, parks and facility improvements, and county technology investments. Notable purchasing and capital items included a roughly $2 million countywide ERP software refresh, replacement of the Council Chambers audiovisual system, ServiceNow implementation, an estimated $85,000 radio service monitor, and $388,550 in Fleet shop equipment. The assessor’s office reported that an AI software RFP had received nine vendor responses and was being scored, with demos and vendor selection still pending. The detention center also requested an estimated $500,000 addition to its MUSC health-services contract for medication-assisted treatment; the Solicitor’s Office requested $150,000 for parking-lot paving using state appropriations rather than county funds.

Capital and infrastructure discussions included a proposed fire-apparatus storage facility, a replacement fireboat, 911 center equipment, road and facility work, and parks projects. Airport updates covered a checkpoint expansion to add three screening lanes, a planned approximately $3 million Conway apron rehabilitation expected to receive 90% FAA funding, and a prospective private hangar project estimated at $10 million; engineering professional services were also being solicited to assess airport access and traffic circulation. The administrator said staff would evaluate and prioritize requests for the November 19 budget retreat, noting high interest rates and a preference to borrow less while considering land acquisition. Council members discussed reducing business-license red tape, but no formal policy action was taken. The workshop was informational: no procurement votes or contract awards were identified.