Since the departure of Isle of Palms City Administrator Desiree Fragoso at the end of December, city leaders have seen a lot of interest expressed in the open position. With a total of 79 prospects so far, narrowing this number to two or three might prove something of a challenge, especially since many candidates are equally qualified. According to IOP Mayor Phillip Pounds, their first meeting with the recruiting firm was Jan. 10. “Some of the applicants have moved to the next step of due diligence,” Pounds said. That diligence is substantial, considering the day-to-day scope of the position. The city administrator role currently manages 102 employees in six city departments, which include Personnel, Policy Implementation and Compliance and Operational Efficiency and Accountability. It also includes managing an ever-increasing annual budget, which now stands at $29.1 million through June 2025; preparing a five-year capital program and updating it annually; ensuring that financial expenditures are within budget and notifying the mayor and council of potential budget overages. In addition to their own work, the next city administrator will oversee and manage all appointed department heads and their respective departments, such as fire, police, public works, recreation and building inspections. Besides carrying out the directives of city council, the city administrator deals with circumstances unique or relevant to the Isle of Palms such as the impact of tourism on city services, shortterm rental policies and recurring coastal dynamics such as flooding and beach renourishment. And this is only a snapshot of the position. Other duties include: • Holding leaders accountable for established departmental goals. • Coordinating city government activities across various agencies at the local, county, state and federal levels. • Preparing and presenting the proposed annual operating budget to the city council for review. • Managing the execution of the approved operating and capital budgets. • Conducting annual performance evaluations for department heads. • Ensuring adherence to federal, state and local laws and regulations 7 IslandVibesIOP.com governing city operations. • Attending all city council meetings and providing guidance and support on administrative matters. • Advising the city council on matters of policy, financial stability and major projects or initiatives. “We’re now narrowing the number of applicants to a manageable number,” said Pounds of the city administrator search. Pounds doesn’t expect council to make a hiring decision this month; however, he noted that he would be “ecstatic” to have a new hire in place during the second quarter of the fiscal year. City administrator role remains open, search yields high interest By L. C. Leach III NEWS
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