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Two lawmakers are threatening to file a lawsuit, if Horry County Council decides to approve taxing casino boats on a five dollar passenger fee. They say the proposed tax will destroy the community, so they're determined to stop it.
Councilman Harold Worley and State Representative Tracy Edge held a press conference on Monday, saying they want County Council to kill the proposed boat tax ordinance and start over, saying the casino boat operators are getting a sweetheart of a deal.
Councilman Harold Worley and State Representative Tracy Edge both agree that Little River will get short changed, if the casino boat operators end up getting taxed on a flat passenger fee alone. They'd like to see an ordinance that mirrors what state law requires, taxing the boats on 5% of their gross proceeds.
"That's why the boats are trying to fight the ordinance," said Edge. "They don't have to pay tax of that amount, but the state law allows for it. That's what we compromised in Columbia. We believe in settling for anything less, the county is giving away too much to allow the business to remain here."
A few weeks ago, the casino boat operators met with County Council Chaiwoman Liz Gilland and negotiated the $5 per passenger flat fee, instead of the percent of gross. From there, it went to council, where it passed the first vote and faces two more. Edge and Worley say it's unconstitutional. Both men say if the flat fee passes, they'll consider taking the matter to court.
County Council Chairwoman Liz Gilland says the proposal is constitutional. In fact, Gilland says the flat passenger fee of five dollars a head, will bring in more money than taking 5% of the boats gross proceeds.
"I think it's bunk, there's court precedence that says we can do what we're doing, unless we're sued," said Gilland. "If we're sued, the boats will continue to pay us and they'll pay for court cost. Either way, we win."
Worley and Edge also told the media that it's unfair to sign a contract to tax the boats for up to 15 years, because this keeps future council members from banning the boats. A second reading on the proposed boat tax ordinance will take place Tuesday during the Horry County Council at 6:00 p.m.
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