1-Cent Tax Still Up in the Air

What was supposed to be a routine city council meeting turned into a 4 hour discussion on the 1-cent sales tax law.

The city council only needs 5 out of 7 votes for Myrtle Beach to become the first city to approve the penny tax for tourism promotion that was passed by South Carolina's legislature.

If approved the tax will be placed on everything except groceries, prescription drugs and gas. The council will vote on it next law, and if approved it will go in effect August 1.

Those for the bill feel it's great because it will eliminate 70% of the property tax in the third year of the ten year plan as 20% will be used to offset property tax.

This could be a much needed thing if passed as Myrtle Beach could receive up to $15 million within the first two years. This would be huge for the tourism department as the spend about $1,900 less in advertising dollars per room than Virginia.

So hopefully the money spent by tourists will lead to bringing in more tourists in the future.