Misinformation Campaign Fuels Incorporation Efforts on Pawleys Island, Sparking Debate Over Costs and Services
A contentious debate has erupted in the Pawleys Island-Litchfield area of Georgetown County, South Carolina, as proponents of incorporation push for the creation of a new town encompassing 16,000 residents. Critics, including Georgetown County Council member Bob Anderson, argue that the incorporation drive is fueled by a misleading campaign that downplays the significant financial burdens and logistical challenges associated with establishing a new municipality. The central point of contention revolves around the provision of essential municipal services, with proponents seemingly relying on an unrealistic expectation that Georgetown County will continue to shoulder the responsibility for services such as law enforcement, public works, and judicial functions.
Anderson contends that state law mandates municipalities to assume financial responsibility for core services, and that the county is under no obligation to provide services within incorporated areas. He emphasizes that the proposed town lacks a viable plan for delivering these services, potentially leaving residents facing a hefty tax bill to cover the millions of dollars required to establish a functioning municipality. The incorporation advocates’ assertion that the new town can operate without additional costs to residents and businesses is dismissed by Anderson as unrealistic and misleading. He cites the example of Georgetown City, with a population of 8,500, which allocates $6 million for law enforcement within a total budget of $54.5 million, while residents still pay county property taxes.
Further illustrating the financial realities of running a town, Anderson highlights that comparable municipalities across South Carolina operate with budgets in the tens of millions of dollars, alongside continued county property tax obligations for residents. He warns that acceding to the demand for free county-provided law enforcement for the proposed town would set a precedent, obligating the county to extend the same service to Georgetown City, Pawleys Island, and Andrews, potentially imposing millions of dollars in additional costs on county taxpayers and leading to a substantial property tax hike. This issue is further complicated by the existing models in the area, where Georgetown and Andrews levy their own property taxes for municipal services, while Pawleys Island utilizes “A” taxes for law enforcement and contracts with the county for judicial services.
The incorporation proposal also raises significant questions about the management of existing county infrastructure within the proposed town’s boundaries, including miles of roads and stormwater drainage systems. Once incorporated, the county relinquishes jurisdiction over this infrastructure, leaving the nascent town responsible for its maintenance and funding. Anderson questions whether the proposed town has the resources to establish a dedicated Public Works department and finance the millions of dollars in improvements already planned by Georgetown County for the area. The establishment of a municipal court also poses a financial hurdle, as state law currently restricts new municipalities from imposing property taxes without explicit authorization from the General Assembly. However, Anderson points to a 2017 South Carolina Attorney General’s opinion suggesting that a court could rule in favor of a new municipality’s inherent power to tax, opening the door for a potential property tax levy by the new town.
While acknowledging the possibility of contractual agreements for the county to provide some services to the new town, Anderson raises concerns about the county’s capacity to manage its growing obligations while simultaneously assuming responsibility and liability for services within a new municipality. He foresees potential conflicts arising from the new town council’s specific demands regarding service delivery, adding further complexity to an already challenging situation. Anderson underscores his commitment to responsible development, citing recent successes in curbing multifamily density on the Waccamaw Neck and significantly reducing potential residential development on golf courses. He points to Georgetown County Council’s recent unanimous actions on growth management as evidence of progress in the right direction, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to rewrite outdated zoning ordinances and adopt a new Wetlands Protection Ordinance under the Natural Resources Plan.
In conclusion, Anderson urges residents to resist the “hype and misinformation” surrounding the incorporation effort, emphasizing the potential for significant financial burdens and operational challenges associated with establishing a new town. He frames the incorporation proposal as a “costly gamble” and advocates for continued collaboration with the county to address land use and development concerns, rather than resorting to an unnecessary and potentially detrimental new layer of government. He believes the current path of updating zoning ordinances and focusing on county-level development management offers a more effective and less financially risky approach to achieving responsible growth and preserving the character of the Pawleys Island-Litchfield area.