Loris council accepts clerk's resignation, appoints long-serving court employee; extends closing on Loris High School parcel

At its June 1 meeting the Loris City Council accepted the resignation of municipal clerk of court Aundrea Washington and appointed Elizabeth Davis to the post. Interim Administrator Angel R. Neighbours told council that Washington submitted a resignation letter dated May 18, 2026 citing a desire to step away from full-time employment to spend time with her young children; Elizabeth Davis, who filled in during Washington's maternity leave and has more than 20 years of experience with the Horry County Magistrate Court, indicated she was willing to continue in the role.

Council accepted Washington's resignation by motion (mover: Joan S. Gause; seconder: Lewis C. Hardee, Jr.) and appointed Davis by subsequent motion (mover: Lewis C. Hardee, Jr.; seconder: Tonya F. Sykes). Mayor Michael E. Suggs and all councilmembers present voted in favor; Councilwoman Kelli D. Gerald was absent.

Separately, after an executive session to discuss three contractual matters, Attorney John C. Zilinsky reported that one matter concerns a contract to sell about 5.75 acres of the old Loris High School property to Horry County Government with an original closing date of June 1, 2026. Horry County requested a 30-day extension; Councilman Carroll D. Padgett, Jr. moved and Councilwoman Joan S. Gause seconded a motion to extend the closing date to July 1, 2026. The council voted unanimously to grant the extension.

What happens next: Elizabeth Davis will assume the municipal clerk of court duties (appointment by council). The parcel conveyance closing is now scheduled for July 1, 2026, subject to any further changes agreed by the parties.