and 41st Avenue outfalls. In 2024, approximately 32,000 linear feet of drainage systems were cleaned and restructured by the Public Works stormwater management team. 4. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION EFFORTS The glass recycling and composting program continued with Harris Teeter, IOP Marina tenants and the community diverting approximately 52 tons of glass and 9 tons of food waste from the landfill in 2024. Lowcountry resident Howard Hogue was specifically recognized by the IOP Clean-Up Crew and South Carolina Aquarium for recording his 1 millionth litter item collected since 2018. 3. PUBLIC SAFETY EFFORTS The IOP Police Department conducted multiple traffic operations to address traffic violations and logged almost 100 DUI charges during 2024. IOPPD reduced the number of vehicle collisions in 2024 by 27% from the previous year. It also received a Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act grant in the amount of $90,036 to implement a wellness app, certify the agency as the first trauma-informed agency in South Carolina through Columbia College and the first to host a law enforcement wellness seminar for law enforcement from around the state. 2. BEACH PRESERVATION EFFORTS In an ongoing battle against coastal erosion, IOP City leaders and engiNEWS Cooper River Photography by Rachel Basye Senior & Family Portrait Photography 6 IslandVibesIOP.com neering consultants coordinated and implemented emergency protective measures in the area along Breach Inlet and the north end of the island along Beachwood East. Sand from a new 2,500-foot-long sandbar shoal that is attaching parallel to the beach directly in front of Beachwood East at Wild Dunes is expected to be a key source of beach nourishment protection. “We’re looking at how the shoal is attaching right now and what it’s going to do over the next 12 to 18 months,” said Steve Traynum, president of Coastal Science & Engineering in Columbia, in May 2024. “That’s going to have a big impact on how many more years we’re going to get out of this particular project.” 1. FINANCIAL STABILITY IOP City ended Fiscal Year 2024 with $44.6 million in cash reserves, of which approximately $20.7 million are restricted funds. Maintaining the highest credit rating possible, the city has a manageable debt load with rates ranging from 1.6 to 4.14%, with a significant portion maturing in the next five years. Net assets surpassed liabilities by $60.6 million, with $52.9 million attributed to governmental activities and $7.6 million to business-type activities (IOP Marina). Additionally, the city received a clean opinion from the auditors for FY 2024. “All of these accomplishments are obviously important but from my council’s seat, fiscal responsibility is job one,” said IOP Mayor Phillip Pounds. “The variety of projects and events and multiple focuses required to run a city, even our size, is quite remarkable when we capture the year in a report.” City achievements From Page 3
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