Horry County Government Overview
Horry County Government (HCG) is the central administrative body governing Horry County, South Carolina. It is tasked with delivering essential services to residents, businesses, and visitors, with the overarching mission of maintaining and improving the community's quality of life through various departments and resources.
Key Personnel
Leadership Team
- Steve Gosnell
- Position: County Administrator
- Tenure and Experience: Serving since 1993, in roles including County Engineer and Assistant County Administrator for Infrastructure & Regulation. Scheduled to retire by the end of 2024.
- Recognition: Honored with the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian honor.
- Contact Information: [hcg.Administrator@horrycountysc.gov](mailto:hcg.Administrator@horrycountysc.gov), Phone: (843) 915-5020
- Randall Webster
- Position: Assistant County Administrator - Public Safety
- Service Decision: Opted to continue in his role post 2003.
- Contact: Phone: (843) 915-5400
- Barry Spivey
- Position: Assistant County Administrator - Administration; Selected to succeed as County Administrator in 2025.
- Experience: Brings over five years of administrative leadership and financial administration experience.
- Contact: Phone: (843) 915-5020
- David Gilreath
- Position: Assistant County Administrator - Infrastructure & Regulation
- Responsibilities: Manages initiatives related to infrastructure development and regulatory compliance.
- Contact: Phone: (843) 365-6233
Recent Activities and Initiatives
Public Initiatives
- Introduction of the Property Tax Estimator, a new tool aiding property owners in determining expected tax liabilities post-state reassessment. The majority (88%) anticipate a modest tax increase of $200 or less.
Future Events and Operations
- The General Election is slated for November 5, 2024, with early voting from October 21, 2024. Initiatives for voter registration are actively promoted, alongside dissemination of early voting details and election procedures.
- Property taxes are due by January 15, 2025. Online payment facilities and tax assessment services are available.
Infrastructure and Community Development
- Planned maintenance updates at C.B. Berry Community and Historical Center and Carolina Forest Recreation Center.
- A collaborative Flood Risk Management Study with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Waccamaw River is underway, inviting public input through early October 2024.
Administration and Governance
Horry County Government operates over 30 departments, overseen by senior administrators, providing diverse services from emergency management to community development. A detailed department directory is available, ensuring transparent communication and operational efficiency.
Horry County Government underscores service delivery, community involvement, and strategic regional development to improve living standards and foster county-wide growth.
Competitor Profiling
Competitive Landscape
Horry County Government interacts and often competes with several regional governmental entities, including the South Carolina House of Representatives, McHenry County, and Clinton County Title Office. Public service institutions such as the Baltimore County Police Department, Douglas County School System, Fulton County, and Orange County Fire Authority share similar operational paradigms and serve as reference points for competition in service delivery and governance.
Economic Role and Employment
As a pivotal contributor to Horry County's economy, the government employs over 2,200 individuals, maintaining its position as the region’s second-largest employer after entities like the Horry County School District, Coastal Carolina University, and Conway Medical Center.
Strategic Developments and Technology
Political dynamics within the county, including competitive council races such as that involving Danny Hardee, reflect the ongoing political vitality within the governmental structure. Strategic goals within Horry County center on reinforcing public services and stimulating economic growth, underlined by their presence on platforms like Growjo and ZoomInfo to advance public engagement and information accessibility.
Horry County Government maintains significant influence in South Carolina's public administration realm through a strong workforce, strategic orientation, and evolving competitive standing with analogous institutions to optimize its impact and service delivery.
