Horry leaders reconsidering fire service agreement that impacts hundreds of South Strand residents

As South Strand residents consider a tax increase for Murrells Inlet-Garden City Fire Rescue, Horry County leaders have been quietly debating what to do about a 7-year-old agreement with the agency. The contract pads the department’s coffers and affects the fire service and insurance rates of hundreds of nearby residents.

Since July 2007, the county has contracted with the Murrells Inlet department to serve parts of the Burgess area, including the communities of Blackmoor, Prince Creek West and Wilderness Plantation. The agreement also covers the Tupelo Bay region near U.S. 17 Business.

Although the Murrells Inlet agency responds to calls in those neighborhoods, the communities do not fall within the boundaries of the Murrells Inlet-Garden City Fire District, which spans portions of Horry and Georgetown counties.