Irmo Town Council passed first reading on a pay raise for themselves at the regularly scheduled Town Council meeting on Tuesday, April 15. On the recommendation of Town Administrator Courtney Dennis and an independent study done by an organization that analyzes municipal compensation for all employees it was found that council was sorely behind the average pay schedule for municipalities of Irmo’s size or larger. The last time council received a raise was thirteen years ago. “This is about the future of Irmo,” said Mayor Bill Danielson. “We’re going to need good people to serve and this may help inspire some to step up.”
A councilman’s base salary will be $10,000 and the mayor’s will be $13,500 with incentives for completing schooling for municipal elected officials. “No other municipalities offer this kind of precedent for their elected officials,” Councilman Gabriel Penfield said. “Maybe it will grow into something statewide.”
The pay changes cannot go into affect until after the general election in November.
Council passed first reading on the projected general fund operating budget of $10,744,074 which included the Okra Strut’s budget of $134,000. “Thank you Courtney Dennis and Doug Polen for all the hard work you put into presenting this to council,” said Councilwoman Dr. Barb Waldman. “You made it clear and easy for us to understand.”
Town Council gave first reading to moving the time for regular council meetings from 6:30pm to 6:00pm. “It just makes sense and creates a smoother workday transition for our staff,” said Danielson.
Lake Murray Floor Coverings, located on Broad River Rd, and nearby businesses were annexed into the town and two properties sitting on nearly 12 acres of land including the East Lake Community Church passed first reading for annexation. These properties are, also, along Broad River Rd.
The New Town Hall construction budget passed at $5,898,939 allowing authorization for design, construction and related expenses.
An agreement with Richland County Voter Registration and Elections for conducting municipal elections was approved. “It’s basically something we’ve historically done,” said Town Administrator Courtney Dennis. “This formalizes who is obligated to do what.”
Two vacancies on the Irmo Planning Commission were filled by Clint Scoville and Jim Smith.
Sipp Social, located at 7524 Woodrow Street, was chosen as Small Business of the Month of April. Owner Dan Dolan accepted the award. They can be reached at [email protected].
