North Myrtle Beach adopts FY2027 tax levy and budget after public questions about audits

The North Myrtle Beach City Council voted to adopt the FY2027 tax levy and the FY2027 budget at its regular meeting, after prior public hearings and a budget retreat that council members said informed the final documents.

The action completes the second reading of the tax-levy ordinance and the budget adoption. Mayor Ajayo Baldwin the 3rd opened the votes after council discussion and public comment; both measures passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: The adopted budget sets spending priorities and the tax levy that will fund city services for the coming fiscal year. Some residents asked for caution because the city is completing a multi‑month catch‑up on audits and experienced turnover in key finance positions.

Resident Dana Brown, who provided her address to the council, urged delay on any tax increase and requested a deeper audit “since we've had so much trouble with our finances lately…maybe consider putting off the tax increase until midyear until all the dust settles and we actually know where we are.” Council members said the city has been working with auditors and expects to resolve outstanding items; one council member noted the city’s reserve balances are “actually ahead…we ended up with 36.5%” for fiscal year 2024.

Council members said the tax levy and budget were the product of public hearings and extensive internal review, including a budget retreat. The mayor and other members indicated staff would follow up on specific audit and travel‑budget questions raised during public comment.

Next steps: The budget and tax levy take effect as the city's adopted FY2027 plan. Council members requested staff provide additional financial detail and follow up with the resident who raised audit questions.