Wednesday, Mar. 11, 2009

Property reassessments pushed back a year

March 5 | Property tax reassessments have been postponed a year in Horry County because of pending legislation.

The last assessment of the value the county places on real property, which is used to determine property tax bills, was done in 2005. The county normally reassesses property every four years, but Horry County Assessor Rendel Mincey said two pieces of legislation - the assessable transfer of interest and a 15 percent cap - made postponing this year's reassessment a logical step.

The 15 percent reassessment cap will limit the "valuation for real property" to "no more than 15 percent over a five-year period" but does not limit property tax bills from increasing more than 15 percent every five years. An assessable transfer of interest means a transfer of an existing interest in real property that subjects the real property to appraisal, according to the county's Web site.

County trash plan moves to final vote

March 3 | The Horry County Council gave the second of three required yes votes to an ordinance that would allow the council to require all trash to be dumped at county-run landfills on S.C. 90.

Council members voted 11-1 to pass the ordinance. Councilman Jody Prince was the lone "no" vote. The third vote will be March 17.

Residents line up to apply at HRP

March 2 | Hard Rock Park, whose new owners say will reopen by Memorial Day weekend, is hiring for all types of positions, including performers, food and beverage staff, ride operators and security. The park began accepting applications on March 2 for about 750 jobs from former park employees at the former Back Stage Tour building near the park. The tentative date when jobseekers who didn't work at the park last year can start applying is March 16.

To apply online or see which positions are available, go to www.careerbuilder.com and enter "FPI Myrtle Beach" in the keyword search.

Motorcycle association moves rally to N.C.

March 2 | After 68 years in Horry County, the Carolina Harley-Davidson Dealers Association motorcycle rally is hitting the road.

The association announced March 2 it will move its May rally to New Bern, N.C., a town where it said it feels welcome.

This year's Harley association rally - which is only part of the 10-day Cruising the Coast Spring Bike Week in the Grand Strand - will be May 15 and 16 at the New Bern Fairgrounds.

County sales tax increases for schools

March 1 | The sales tax in Horry County increased March 1 by 1 cent per dollar on almost all taxable goods - except items such as unprepared foods, gas and prescription drugs - bringing sales taxes in the county to 8 percent on retail items, 12 percent on accommodations and 10.5 percent on prepared food and beverages.

The new 15-year sales tax, approved by voters in November, will go mostly to Horry County Schools to pay for new school buildings, renovations and expansions, and to pay down existing debt from previous construction.

CF business offers incentive to ship

Feb. 27 | JerriBob's Ship 'n Stuff in the Forest Village shopping center, River Oaks Drive, is offering Ship for Schools - a program in which the business donates $2 to the school of the customer's choice each time a customer ships a package through UPS or FedEx - now through May. Customers just have to fill out a flier to participate.