By Al Dozier
The Irmo Town Council gave first reading approval at the May 18 council meeting to a proposed operating and capital budget of $7,250,491.
Council members were in agreement the budget reflected proper expenditures, with nearly half of the allocations going to law enforcement. Irmo does not impose millage on residents.
Council members also pointed out the town is transparent in its spending. All expenditures can be viewed through an on-line web sites.
The annexation of a 68-Acre tract along Shady Grove Road that would be developed by Great Southern homes as a large residential site was put on hold as the council sought to make sure the property wouldn’t be overdeveloped with the General Residential zoning.
Final approval is scheduled for the June 15 meeting once the council amends the language in the ordinance to use the word “net” instead of “gross” on specifications of the acreage involved. The wordage would reduce the total number of units that could be built on the property.
According to the initial proposal, the development could accommodate 165 new homes. Developers have agreed to work with the council on the final plan.
The council also approved an intergovernmental agreement between the town of Irmo and the Richland County Recreation Commission to leash property on Friarsgate Boulevard to be used as a dog park, garden area and skate board park. Richland County has already approved the agreement.
The town plans to provide infrastructure for the park and will apply for grants to help pay the costs for the development. Some fund raising efforts are already underway.
The council approved another intergovernmental agreement with Lexington and Richland counties for land development services. The agreement provides the necessary language for the performance of road maintenance.
The council signed off on a proclamation recognizing “Safe Boating Week” May 22-28.
New in-town businesses recognized were: Lita’s Treats, 700 Columbiana Drive; Big Ape Entertainment, 1140 Moseley Ave.; Home Cleaning with Care, 65 Cornerstone Circle; Kim’s Thairapy, 7971 N. Woodrow St.; Sophistacurlz Hair Restoration, 1144B Moseley Ave.; Zynful Bliss, 107 N. Royal Tower.
The council appointed Timothy Wilkins to the town’s planning commission.
During the public comment period, Irmo resident Wade DeLoach complimented the town’s police department for outstanding service to the community.
“We have a police force we can be proud of,” he said.
He recommended the town consider providing a “day off” bonus for officers who work three months without taking a day off.
