The Town of Irmo held a regular Town Council meeting March 24.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by United States Coast Guard Chief Boatswain’s Mate Neil Paul. Afterward, Mayor Bill Danielson presented Paul with a retired US Coast Guard flag that flew in the Irmo Veterans Park. Paul has been married for 54 years and resides in Irmo.
The Irmo Town Park was renamed Whitt Cline Community Park after Director of Public Services Whitt Cline. Cline is an Arborist and responsible for the Town of Irmo to be named as a Tree City.
Aside from his professional duties his dedication to overseeing the visual enhancements in the town includes four public parks and numerous tree lined streets. Cline has held that distinction for nearly 26 years. A new sign bearing his name was erected on March 25th in the park.
A proclamation was made stating March as the Bleeding Disorders Awareness month.
Principal Dr. Angies Slatton of the Seven Oaks Elementary School Global Magnet School showcased the school’s growth and recent accomplishments to council.
Kassy Alia Ray, CEO and founder of Serve and Connect along with Operations Manager Kim Dennis presented to council the recipient of their highest award, the Greg Alia Award, to Irmo Police Corporal Christopher Stokes.
“Corporal Stokes dedication to serving and uplifting the community truly embodies this award,” said Ray.
The town passed a second and final reading on 16.6 acres of land to be annexed into the town at 7434 & 7440 Broad River Road as General Commercial zoning.
“This is an existing business that wants to be in this town,” said Councilman Mike Ward. “We’re not taking down trees or clearing land.” The annexation passed 5-0.
A first reading was held to establish a three percent local accommodations tax that would be levied on hotels, motels and Air BnBs. By doing this the town will not have to split the three percent with Richland County. “This is not a tax against our residents and should have been enacted upon years ago,” said Mayor Danielson. P
roceeds from the tax can only be spent on tourism related expenses such as the Okra Strut Festival.
“Additional revenue is always good for the town,” said Councilwoman Coleman. The motion passed 4-1 with Penfield voting against the amendment.
A first reading to annex 0.44 acres of land on Ministry Drive was passed. The applicant requested General Commercial zoning. The office building contains four or five additional businesses under one roof. The motion passed 5-0.
A first reading was held to annex 21.78 acres of land along Dreher Shoals Road, just north of Leamington Way. There are two parcels involved one of which wants Fringe Agricultural zoning and the other Single Family Residential zoning.
“No plans have been submitted for development,” said Councilwoman Dr. Waldman. “They just want to be inside the town limits.”
The vote was 4-1 with Penfield disapproving.
The Lexington Health Okra Strut received an additional $40,000 to their budget. The funds will go towards increasing options for entertainment with more recognition power.
The motion passed 4-1 with Penfield opposed. Penfield asked about more adult-oriented amusement rides
Kathleen Goslin was appointed to the Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee with a term ending in August of 2027. This committee decides on where the Accommodations Tax revenues are distributed.
The town recognized George and Melodie Smith of 213 Shawn Court as the March 2026 Yard of the Quarter.
An Executive Session was held for council to receive legal advise on a contract and legal obligations concerning a USDA Grant.
No votes were taken in Executive Session.
