McBride’s sales tax increase injunction rejected

An Horry County judge ruled against former Myrtle Beach mayor Mark McBride in circuit court. McBride filed a lawsuit against the city for improperly implementing the tourism development tax, also known as the penny tax.

McBride’s attorney, Sid Conner, argued the passing of the tourism development tax by the city was not properly voted on by the city.

City attorney Mike Battle said McBride was twisting around a bunch of technicalities, perhaps for political reasons.

Judge Larry Hyman ruled the lawsuit would have to be addressed in administrate court.

McBride says he and his attorney are looking into that option.

“They’re arguing at times I’ve done the same thing they did. Perhaps I did, and I’m not saying if anybody would’ve challenged it, I would’ve gone back and made it right. But, I’m saying in this circumstance, with how grave and how important this issue is they need to do it the right way,” said McBride.

The tourism development tax added a one percent sales tax increase, with a few exceptions, within city limits.