Right now, Horry County real estate and vehicle owners are subsidizing developers and new home owners whose new or expanded structures are ready for occupancy between June 30 and the end of the year. That's because the county auditor's office that day closes the tax books for that same year, effectively delaying the time when the owners of new and expanded structures start paying property taxes.

The Horry County delegation to the S.C. House closed this loophole in a local bill last week. Named the Kost bill, in honor of former Horry County Councilman John Kost, who shined a public light on the folly and unfairness of this practice, the bill would empower County Council to fix the problem. It would allow the council to collect taxes on new structures that go on line after June 30 that same year.

The council should feel a powerful incentive to pass such an ordinance because millions of dollars would flow into the coffers of every local government that has a mill levy - with no increase in tax rates. County government would be the second-biggest benefactor, with Horry County Schools being the biggest. Both really need the money.

Readers already paying taxes to those governments also have a special interest in passage of this legislation. Right now, neighbors whose new homes or expanded homes are certified for occupancy after June 30 effectively get a free ride on real estate taxes for up to a year. During that time, other taxpayers carry the financial burden their kids impose on public schools and their cars impose on local roads.

The need now is for Sens. Luke Rankin, D-Myrtle Beach, and Dick Elliott, R-North Myrtle Beach, to approve the bill, with assistance from Sens. Arthur Ravenel, R-Mount Pleasant, and Yancey McGill, D-Kingstree - each of whom represents part of Horry County. All four should support the bill themselves and ensure it gets to Gov. Mark Sanford's desk without interference from other senators. If they do, the council can have an ordinance in place in time to benefit local governments - and taxpayers - this year.