By Al Dozier
The Irmo Town Council Tuesday gave final reading to an ordinance adopting the proposed 2021-2022 budget totaling $7,250,491.
Mayor Barry Walker noted the budget funds a “world class” police department and town hall and does not impose millage on Irmo residents.
The town is also expected to get a budget boost from the American Rescue Plan’s allocation of about $5 million, as part of the grants going to local governments nationwide for relief from the pandemic.
Mayor Barry Walker said he has been meeting with state officials in an effort to find out when the funds will come. There appear to be some delays.
“We need to get South Carolina to do the right thing,” he said.
Walker said he is also planning to meet with transportation officials about the widening of Broad River Road. Originally scheduled for a five-lane expansion, it has been reduced to three lanes. Walker said he will advocate keeping the five-lane expansion.
The annexation of a 68-Acre tract along Shady Grove Road to be developed by Great Southern homes as a large residential site received final reading approval. The council amended the language used 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.
In new business the council approved the sale of a small piece of property located along Andrews Road near Lexington Avenue to Ms. Misti Ramon for $1,500.
The council approved a contract for Okra Strut entertainment with Cooper Allen not to exceed $3,600. The council approved another Okra Strut contract with Finesse Band not to exceed $4,950.
The council appointed Larina Myers to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
The council was advised of two upcoming events: The Juneteenth celebration June 19 at the Community Park of Irmo and a July 4 celebration sponsored by Prisma Health that will include a movie in the park and a fireworks display.
New in-town businesses recognized during the meeting were: American Health Imaging of Irmo, 1245 Lake Murray Blvd., St B; Cox Family Barbecue, 7709 St. Andrews Road; Data Pay SC, 318 Sawyer Court; Metro Mortgage Corp., 7223 St. Andrews Road; Rose Kove, LLC, 7825 Broad River Road, St300.
The council agreed to cancel the July 6 meeting because of the holiday.
