County councils, city halls and the decisions closest to home

Horry County Council, the Myrtle Beach and Conway city councils, school boards and special districts make decisions that show up on property tax bills, road projects and police staffing. They're also the governments with the fewest reporters watching.

We read the agendas, minutes and budget ordinances. We explain what a council can legally decide under the state's Home Rule Act and what's reserved to the state, which is a question that comes up in almost every local dispute.

Expect coverage of county and municipal budgets, zoning and development votes, public safety funding and public records requests. We name the body that voted, link the document and note what residents can still weigh in on. Coming up: how to get started following your county council, and the best way to read a municipal budget.