The millage rate for the Murrells Inlet/Garden City area could increase by six points over the next four years if it passes a referendum vote slated for July, according to George Oldroyd, secretary of the Murrells Inlet Garden City Fire District’s board of directors.
"We're looking to get an increase in our millage to increase our income so we can meet our expenses,” said Oldroyd.
The millage rate is currently at 14 for the area. If this referendum passes, Oldroyd said over a period of four years, the millage rate could be raised by six points. The increase would start with four points in 2019, no increase in 2020 and a 1-point increase in both 2021 and 2022.
The goal of the proposed millage increase is to generate money for more personnel.
"The large piece of the pie of our budget is personnel and that's the same for everybody in the public safety services. Personnel is the lion share of the budget," said Oldroyd.