Atlantic Beach council advances rules amendment on first reading and adopts business-license update

The Atlantic Beach Town Council on May 11 voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 7-2026, updating the town’s business-license class schedule to conform with state-mandated NAIC-code changes under Act 176 of 2020, and advanced Ordinance 6-2026 on first reading, an amendment aimed at correcting ordinance numbers and agenda ordering in the town’s rules of procedure.

Town Attorney Leah B. Moody explained that the business-license update matches the Municipal Association’s portal and recent statutory changes. On the rules amendment she cited South Carolina Code §5-7-230 to describe the legal counsel’s duties, including reviewing agendas, executive-session citations and ensuring compliance with FOIA and procedural law. Moody said counsel’s role includes advising on “procedure, form, and law” so the council’s documents are legally compliant.

Council discussion focused on clarity and correct cross-references in the town’s rules and ordinances. Mayor Pro Tem John David asked staff to verify ordinance numbering referenced on the website and asked the attorney and manager to ensure the town’s records are corrected. The council approved first reading of Ordinance 6-2026 by roll call and then approved Ordinance 7-2026 (business-license update) on a unanimous vote; both measures will proceed to the next reading as required.

The council also directed staff to update records and come back with corrected documents for the official files.

Actions at a glance: Ordinance 6-2026 (amendment to rules/procedures) approved on first reading; Ordinance 7-2026 (business-license schedule update) approved for second reading.