MURRELLS INLET – Horry and Georgetown County state legislators Wednesday applauded Gov. Henry McMaster’s order for a November referendum to address an error in the border between Horry and Georgetown counties.

“I appreciate Gov. McMaster’s order and the work of the special annexation commission resulting in a November 5th referendum to allow the affected voters to decide which county they want to reside in,” Rep. Lee Hewitt, R-Georgetown, said. “This issue is very important in that it affects property taxes, school attendance and voting. A referendum is the best way to decide the issue.”

“It’s important to the community to provide continuity and security in their choice of schools and services,” Sen. Stephen Goldfinch, R-Georgetown, said. “I’m proud to have been part of the team to secure that peace of mind.”

“From the very beginning, my constituents wanted a choice and I believe they should have it. After all, they didn’t invite this problem,” Rep. Russell Fry, R-Horry, said. “Now they’ll get that opportunity to choose which county they’d like to live. I appreciate the diligent efforts of Gov.McMaster and the committee for helping us bring closure to this local issue.”

McMaster issued the order Monday for the referendum to coincide with the November 5th general election.

Click here for the order.

For many years, Horry and Georgetown counties have recognized a border that differs from the official border as enacted in statute. As a result, about 200 parcels of land, long believed to be in Horry County, are actually in Georgetown County. The border error was discovered last year by the state Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office.

Click here for a map of the affected border area.

Hewitt, Fry and Goldfinch sponsored the legislation to enable the referendum.