December 1, 2025 — Regular Council Meeting

Reports & announcements

• HGTC Community Forum. The Horry Georgetown Technical College Community Forum was held on Thursday, November 20th. The event appeared was a success with over 100 in attendance. The possibility of a technical college campus or learning center in the Loris area would be a great asset to our community. The TEC representatives appeared to be very pleased with the attendance and comments as well as the information collected.
• Christmas Tree Lighting. The Christmas Tree lighting ceremony will take place tomorrow night, December 2nd at 6:00 pm. Everyone is invited to attend.
• Christmas Parade. The Loris Christmas parade is scheduled for Friday night, December 5th. Samantha Norris, Executive Director of the Loris Chamber of Commerce, will give more details tonight in her chamber report.
• Swearing-in ceremony. On December 31st at 10:00 am we will hold a swearing-in ceremony for our newly re-elected council members. The ceremony will be held here in council chambers.
• Loris Recreation 12-U football. The Loris Recreation Department's 12-U football team were defeated by Latta in the championship game. The team, however, finished the season as runner-up in the district.
• Loris Lions 2025 football season. The Loris Lions 2025 will be remembered as the greatest team ever at Loris High School. The Lions finished the season with 13 wins and 1 loss, playing for the South Carolina Lower State Championship which resulted in their only loss and ending the season. The coach and players have had a tremendous year in setting records in wins and overall performances. We are extremely proud of our Loris Lions and their record setting season. Congratulations on an exceptional season.
• Chamber of Commerce report — Samantha Norris. Loris Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Samantha Norris was present and acknowledged the passing of Barry Suggs. Mr. Suggs was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and owner and operator of Crescent Moon Land Surveying. She gave condolences to his family and friends. Samantha reminded council that the tree lighting is tomorrow December 2nd and should take place as scheduled. The Christmas parade is scheduled for Friday December 5th at 6:00 pm however the weather forecast is currently being monitored due to rain being predicted to occur all day on Friday. She will make an announcement prior to Friday if any cancellation. Several other events will be coming up this month sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. Downtown Tuesday events include "The Grinch Stole Downtown Tuesday" scheduled for December 9th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. "Small Town Christmas" will be held December 16th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Samantha informed council that the Chamber of Commerce offices have been relocated and are now in the newly remodeled building at 3940 Railroad Avenue.
• Administrator's report — brickwork and sidewalks. Interim Administrator Neighbours reported that brick work had been completed at the corner of Railroad Avenue and Duncan Street where a large truck collided with the brick wall while making a turn. Also, there are a few sidewalk repair projects that are currently in progress.
• Administrator's report — FEMA projects. Mrs. Neighbours reported that projects approved for FEMA assistance following Hurricane Florence in 2018 and were scheduled to begin in 2019 had not yet been reported as completed. There was a total of eight projects requested throughout the city. It appears that 2018, 2019, and 2020 records may not have been properly retained and may not be available to provide to FEMA to support their funding requirements and thus monies could be owed to FEMA. Mrs. Neighbours reported that there is one project that never began and that funds will need to be reimbursed to FEMA for that project, possibly by January. Budget amendments will need to be made for reimbursement of funds. Councilman Padgett inquired about the funding amount of the one project which was never started. Mrs. Neighbours stated that it is estimated to be approximately $48,000.00 to $49,000.00. Mrs. Neighbours stated that she is continuing to research each project one by one and will update council on her findings.
• Code Enforcement & Planning — statistical reports and vacancies. Planning and Zoning Director Meredith Holmes presented her October and November statistical reports to council. Mrs. Holmes reported that there was a correction to the November report. There are two vacancies to report on the Board of Zoning Appeals instead of one and that will be discussed later in the meeting.
• Code Enforcement & Planning — Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Mrs. Holmes reported she had talked with someone from Horry County Emergency Management to check the status of Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. It is a 5-year update and there had to be some corrections made to the plan. It has now been submitted to FEMA for approval. Once approved by FEMA, council will need a Resolution adopting the updated plan.
• Code Enforcement & Planning — 2026 meeting schedule. Mrs. Holmes presented her 2026 schedule of Planning Commission Meetings, and Board of Zoning Appeals meetings which includes two annual training dates of March 17, 2026, and September 1, 2026, to be held in the city hall conference room.
• Fire Department. City Fire Marshall Robert Rudelitch reported a total of 112 calls for the month. There has been a total of 1,349 for the year. On December 9, 2025, the new Horry County dispatch will be going live. Mr. Rudelitch states he is expecting a smooth transition with all the planning over the last 12 months.
• Police Department. Police Chief Gary Bulley reported having a pretty good month. Accidents have been down since last year thanks to the traffic grant and having the officers running traffic patrol. There has been a rise in juvenile crime which is basically related to vapes. Chief Bulley's department is focusing on the vape shops and selling products to minors. He also suggested that everyone be cautious and please lock their cars, homes, etc. due to this being the holiday season.
• Public Works. No written reports presented. No representative present.
• Recreation. Recreation Director Woody Hinson presented a written report but was not present at the meeting. Mayor Suggs read the report in his absence.

Public & press comment