Atlantic Beach nearly loses state-provided insurance

Associated Press

ATLANTIC BEACH, S.C. - Atlantic Beach was just two days away from losing its insurance on police cars, town hall and other property after the premiums weren't paid.

Town officials said paying the bills fell through the cracks as the Horry County beach went through three town managers in a year.

The town hadn't paid its premiums since the fall and owed $8,705 to the South Carolina Insurance Reserve Fund. The agency planned to cancel Atlantic Beach's policy Wednesday unless it paid up.

The town negotiated a payment plan with the state Monday to keep its insurance in effect.

"We didn't know anything about this," said Marcia Conner, interim town manager since November.

The insurance is important because it protects the town from financial liabilities such as an automobile wreck involving a police car or someone getting hurt on town property. The insurance also pays legal bills if town officials are sued.

During segregation, Atlantic Beach was the only beach along the Grand Strand that allowed blacks. The town has a population of 364 and has faced several financial crises in recent years, borrowing money from residents on at least three occasions since 1988 to pay bills and stave off insolvency.

The town has an annual budget of about $800,000.

Information from: The Sun News, http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/

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