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Council approves first reading to update county business license classifications in line with state schedule
Summary
Horry County completed the first reading of Ordinance 105‑2025 to adopt the state's updated standardized business license class schedule; the ordinance requires two more readings before adoption and staff said the change aligns classifications across jurisdictions.
Horry County Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 105‑2025, which would update Section 12.5 of the Horry County Code of Ordinances to adopt the state’s latest standardized business license classification schedule.
Staff explained the change implements a state‑promulgated list that classifies businesses into categories (1–7) used to calculate license fees; the update does not automatically equalize rates with other jurisdictions because local governments still set their own rate factors, but it does standardize classification categories. Council was told the state updates the classification list every odd year and the county must adopt the new schedule by the statutory deadline; three readings are required prior to December 31.
Council moved, seconded and approved the first reading by voice vote with no opposition. Staff said the ordinance was reviewed and recommended previously by the administration committee and that subsequent readings are scheduled for the November and December council meetings to meet the year‑end requirement.
The administrator clarified this is a convenience and compliance action to align the county’s classification codes with the state list; final fee schedules will still reflect local rate decisions.
