Myrtle Beach to hire consultant to examine rates

  • 2019-10-22
Myrtle Beach wants to examines its rates for various services.

The city has decided it will use a consultant to study the rates it currently charges for operating stormwater, sewer, and water services. Speaking for the city, Mark Kruea said it is time a rate study was undertaken to determine what the current expenses are, and whether the current rates cover them. The issue has arisen now because the city is planning for its next five years. Flyer printing can be used to provide information like this to residents.

Sewer and water rates are examined every five years, but stormwater fees are being considered for the first time. The city issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) that specifically asks the consultants to make recommendations for a period of five years. A figure of $50,000 was placed in the 2020 budget for the study of the stormwater fees, but there was no amount listed for the study of the sewer and water fees.

Kruea said it is possible the city could have the work done in-house, but no one on staff has time to do what is expected to be a labor-intensive math project. The study doesn't require a full-time position, so hiring a consultant with expertise in the area, and who can undertake this specific project, makes sense. The city will review the appropriate rates, but Kruea said it is not likely the rates will decrease. The study is needed because of the growth of the city's population.