Due to the ongoing economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, 53 employees of the city of Myrtle Beach have decided to leave their jobs.
Most of the employees are a part of a voluntary severance program that began in June. The voluntary severance package will provide employees their salaries for a quarter of a year as well as medical coverage through the end of the year.
In addition to those individuals voluntarily leaving the city, 10 employees were laid off by the city – all of whom will receive the same severance package.
This decision follows a season of significant decline in tourism to the city of Myrtle Beach. The subsequent decrease in revenue has caused salary cuts to city employees – a move that is expected to save the city around $1.3 million.
City Manager John Pedersen cited the ongoing financial impact of the pandemic saying, “Every employer in the Grand Strand has faced this as a result of the pandemic,” he said. “It’s not any easier for us than it is for them.”