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Atlantic Beach council approves business-license measure, hires audit contractor and hears staffing updates
Summary
Council adopted a business-license ordinance as Ordinance 3‑2026 (second reading of 2022 language), approved an annual audit/accounting contract, discussed failed council‑rules corrections, and reviewed police staffing, town‑manager recruitment and court staffing concerns.
The Atlantic Beach Town Council on May 4 approved the second reading of the Business License Ordinance (adopting the 2022 licensing language as Ordinance No. 3‑2026) and authorized an annual audit/accounting contract with CKH.
Attorney Leah Moody told council the ordinance aligns local business‑license collection with the state Standardization Act (Act 176) and recommended adopting the 2022 version today and returning later for a 2026 update. The council voted on the second reading; roll-call entries show two yes votes, one no and one member without an audible vote in the record. The administration said it will bring a clarified 2026 version back to council.
Council then approved Resolution 5‑2026 to authorize the interim town manager to contract with CKH for the town's annual audit and accounting services; the resolution passed by unanimous roll call.
Moody also described a proposed Resolution 6‑2026 to correct scrivener's errors and update council rules and procedural numbering. Councilwoman Carla Taylor moved approval but the roll call resulted in two yays and two nays; the resolution did not pass and Moody said staff will return with revisions for formal review.
On personnel and operations, Interim Town Manager Titus Leaks reported the town has a strong pool of applicants for police chief and will advance three candidates to interviews next week; in the interim, Horry County is providing patrol services. Leaks also said the town manager position is posted through May 30.
Councilwoman Jacqueline Gore raised questions about court staffing and compensation given the police department's limited activity. Attorney Moody said the court clerk is paid only when she works and the municipal judge is on salary; the clerk works limited hours for pending ticket cases. Council members asked that the budget workshop address court staffing, judge compensation and related budget choices.
Leaks also briefed council on business-license renewals (due April 30), saying many renewals were returned but a significant number of businesses remain delinquent; staff will send notices and apply a 5% late fee. The administration emphasized collecting proof of income this year to ensure accurate collections.
Council scheduled follow‑up on rule revisions and budget matters in upcoming workshops.
