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County engineers report roads are in good shape but warn higher fees would accelerate resurfacing
Summary
Public works staff told the subcommittee the county is maintaining its road network and currently budgets roughly $10M for resurfacing (about 30–35 miles/year under current plans); models show a $5 road‑user fee increase (to $55) would boost the resurfacing budget toward $14M and reduce the percent of poor roads over decades, while staff said lawsuit‑held funds (approximately tens of millions) could alter timing depending on court outcome.
Horry County road engineers briefed the subcommittee on the annual roads condition and resurfacing forecast, describing long‑term trends, funding scenarios and the effect of a pending lawsuit that has held certain resurfacing funds.
Public works presenter Andy Marconis said the county is "still in good condition" and that, over the long term, the county averages about 30 paved miles of new roadway construction accepted into the county network per year. For the current fiscal year he estimated a resurfacing budget of about $10 million (with potential to reach $12 million depending on contracts), which he said would allow resurfacing of roughly 30–35 miles this year.
Marconis walked through budget scenario charts showing how different annual resurfacing budgets affect the percent of the network falling into poor condition over 20+ years. He said moving from the current $10 million budget to $14 million (roughly a $5 road‑user fee increase to $55) would materially reduce the share of roads in poor condition; an $18 million budget (about a $15 increase to $65) would lower that share further.
Committee members asked about funds held pending litigation; county staff said there was an argument earlier in the county’s case and a decision could be expected by year end. One staff estimate given conversationally placed held funds and prior collections in the tens of millions (staff cited roughly $20M as an identified held amount and suggested a broader accounting in the range of $50M could be available depending on case outcome).
The county attorney clarified that the state preempts local authority to add first‑time vehicle registration surcharges, so any new road‑user revenue would have to fall within county authority and existing fee structures.
What happens next: staff will continue to monitor pavement condition and present updated models as requested; if litigation funds are released they could be deployed subject to committee decision and legal constraints.
