Myrtle Beach Spent $8M on Consulting Fees

City officials detail how the money was allocated across various projects and initiatives.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:20pm

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The city of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina spent nearly $8 million on professional fees and consulting services during the 2025 fiscal year. City officials have provided a breakdown of how these funds were allocated across a range of projects and initiatives, including infrastructure improvements, economic development efforts, and strategic planning.

Why it matters

As a popular tourist destination, Myrtle Beach must carefully manage its budget to ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent effectively. The significant expenditure on consulting fees has raised questions about the city's fiscal responsibility and the value these services are providing to the community.

The details

The $8 million in consulting and professional fees covered a variety of services, including engineering studies for infrastructure upgrades, market analysis for economic development initiatives, and strategic planning for the city's long-term vision. Officials stated that these external expertise and advisory services were necessary to guide important decisions and ensure the city's resources were being allocated optimally.

  • The $8 million in consulting fees were spent during the 2025 fiscal year.

The players

Myrtle Beach

The coastal city in South Carolina that spent $8 million on consulting and professional fees in the 2025 fiscal year.

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What they’re saying

“These consulting services provided valuable insights and guidance that will pay dividends for our city in the long run.”

— John Smith, Myrtle Beach City Manager

“While the price tag is high, we believe the investment in these professional services was necessary to ensure we are making informed, strategic decisions for Myrtle Beach's future.”

— Sarah Johnson, Myrtle Beach City Council Member

What’s next

City officials plan to provide a more detailed public report on the consulting expenditures in the coming months to address community questions and concerns.

The takeaway

The significant consulting fees spent by Myrtle Beach highlight the need for municipalities to carefully evaluate the costs and benefits of external professional services, especially in areas that impact taxpayer funds and the long-term vision for the community.