When South Carolina lawmakers approved a bill that would allow Horry County municipalities to levy a one percent sales tax to raise money for tourism advertising, Myrtle Beach City Council was quick to act in imposing the tax, with the promise of property tax relief after two years.
That, along with the controversial anti-biker rally movement in the city, prompted numerous candidates to file for seats up for grabs on council this November, including the mayor's office.
Now, councilman Dr. Phil Render, who is not up for re-election in November, is proposing a resolution to send to Columbia to ask for an amendment to the law.
He, and other councilmembers, want to provide the tax relief one year earlier than promised.
"Now we need (lawmakers) to come to bat for homeowners in Myrtle Beach, who need a little relief," said Dr. Render on Thursday.
But businessman Adam Parness, who is running for council, thinks the timing of the resolution is rather suspicious.
"I question the timing as an obvious political ploy,' he said.
Parness is also doubtful the General Assembly will be able to get to the matter before the end of the legislative session.
"Clearly there is no time to take up something like this," Parness said. "By that time, the issue will be resolved, the time period will run out," he said.
Render said Parness is mistaken if he thinks it's a ploy to regain favor with voters, and he thinks lawmakers will have plenty of time to bring it up once the session begins in January.
"I'm confident our local lawmakers will appreciate the gravity of the situation," said Render. "I'm sure they'll come through for us."
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