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Facilities committee backs reallocation to cover $35.2 million athletic stadium plan
Summary
Horry County Schools staff told the Facilities Committee that districtwide baseball and softball renovations now total an estimated $35,210,742; the committee voted unanimously to send a recommendation to the full board asking that $8,520,000 be reallocated from existing capital savings to cover the next phases.
Horry County Schools facilities staff told the Facilities Committee on Oct. 20 that districtwide renovations to baseball and softball stadiums now total an estimated $35,210,742 and asked the committee to forward a funding reallocation to the full board.
The committee heard from Mr. Burch, who said the district could not fit the project scope into previously allocated annual funds because of rising costs and supply-and-labor constraints. "Our overall five year budget revision indicates we will likely need total funding of $35,210,742 to meet the project goals," he told the committee. He said the district is requesting an $8,520,000 reallocation of existing capital resources rather than new appropriations.
Why it matters: The work aims to standardize facilities across schools — including stadium-style bleachers, press boxes, irrigation and drainage, fencing and restroom upgrades — and to address Title IX and ADA requirements that, in some cases, increase the amount of seating and trigger additional restrooms or accessibility upgrades.
Burch outlined the funding mix the district would draw on if the reallocation is approved: $1,012,072 from leftover administration and unplanned short-term capital funds (2021–2024), $4,256,870 in savings from construction of two new elementary schools, and $3,331,058 from residual sales tax funds. He said $12,581,753 currently remains accessible in the residual sales tax fund.
Committee members voiced support for the projects but pressed staff on costs and standards. "I am suffering a little sticker shock" at the roughly 34% increase for athletic facilities, said Pam Dawson (District 6), while others asked whether the district had counted historical attendance to justify new seating and whether zoning or variances could reduce costs. Burch said seating and restroom requirements vary by school and that adding seats can trigger additional restroom and ADA work.
Board members also asked about earlier consultant estimates. One member noted a 2022 consultant-led athletic master plan, and Mr. Burch said the scope and hiring constraints — including a shortage of certified field builders — contributed to cost escalation since that plan.
After discussion the committee voted to recommend the reallocation and the athletic facilities plan be brought before the full board for discussion at the first November meeting and as a business item at the second November meeting. The motion to forward the recommendation was moved by James Edwards and seconded by Darrell Ricketts and passed by voice vote in the Facilities Committee.
Next steps: The Facilities Committee’s recommendation will go to the Horry County Schools full board for consideration in November. Staff said they will confirm whether a supermajority vote will be required at the board level before final approval.
