IslandVibesIOP.com 5 NEWS FROM THE TEAM IOP leaders approve largest budget in island history – tax increase likely Major expenses include drainage, boulevard improvements, beach renourishment By L. C. Leach III The vote wasn’t unanimous, but the IOP City Council is set to adopt the largest budget in island history for the 2026-27 fiscal year, with an increase to the annual operating millage. It will include $37.49 million for projected revenues and $44.91 million for projected expenses – 49% more than in 2025. The two amounts not only dwarf all previous island budgets but will require money from existing fund balance reserves, such as the city’s Beach Preservation fund, to make up the $7.42 million shortfall. “We have a total of 11 separate funds that surplus money is added to at the end of each year,” said IOP City finance director Debra Hamilton. “It’s similar to a savings account – and whenever we need to draw out money to balance our yearly budget, we take it from one of those funds.” If there are no late changes, the new budget as proposed will take effect July 1 and include a raise in the annual operating millage to 19.2 – a 1.8 mills increase from the current fiscal year – which Hamilton said would “generate approximately $514,000 in additional property tax revenue.” The new budget was approved on first reading at the May 26 council meeting by a vote of 7-2. Councilmembers Jimmy Ward and Ashley Carroll cast the two no votes. Carroll could not be reached for comment, but Ward said his main objection centered on employee pay raises. “I didn’t think we did enough for our city employees, especially first responders – I thought they needed a 20% salary increase,” said Ward, adding that too many qualified people keep leaving the city to go to surrounding communities that pay more. “I think they’re going to continue leaving based on pay.” Expenditures will include a number of projects, such as: • AI traffic signal implementation • New police and fire department drone • New ladder truck for fire department • Public green space and parking at IOP Marina • New side loader truck for public works • Public artwork at Front Beach • Ocean Boulevard resurfacing • Drainage A major portion of expenses, however, will go toward ongoing boulevard improvements and beach renourishment. Phase 2 of the $1.08 million Waterway Boulevard project, for instance, is currently underway to raise the elevation of footpath areas and install check valves to prevent tidal backflow and help protect the island from future coastal flood risks. As Isle of Palms enters another summer season of beaches loaded with visitors and vacationers, work crews are undertaking the island’s biggest beach renourishment project to date, placing 2.5 million cubic yards of beach-quality sediment along up to 19,200 linear feet of shoreline on the two ends of the island between now and September. While the project will cost $21.47 million, it did come in nearly $11 million lower than originally anticipated by IOP City leaders. The city continues to maintain strong reserves, with cash deposits totaling approximately $57.5 million at the end of March, and about $6.2 million in FY2026 property tax revenues collected from Charleston County. “We have been good stewards of our city’s finances and are in good financial shape,” said Mayor Phillip Pounds. “There are many competing priorities for the city’s revenue, so it’s certainly a balancing act to put money back into the community, take care of our employees and keep a reasonable level of reserves for future unknowns that will surely come our way.” “Very knowledgeable, responsive and honest. We have bought and sold over 20 homes and never experienced the quality of service that Andrea provided” “...extremely helpful in making recommendations to get our house market-ready. With her suggestions for home improvements, our house sold in a week at the high end of market value.” 843.532.3010 - AndreaRogers1@gmail.com CALL ANDREA ROGERS SOUTHERN PROFESSIONALISM A way of life, The way to be About the Cover From Page 4. expected to train. On stand we’re expected to stay alert and focused on however many people are in our swim zone. On top of that, we’re trained first responders so when an emergency is at hand, we’re the first to aid those in need.” Hoffman reflected on a particularly harrowing rescue situation and the lessons it taught her. Being scared will get you nowhere. I was on IOP roving by the pier and decided to take a board for a rescue and ended up almost having to go through the pier – which isn’t ideal when you have a fast current, medium to large swell, and a person hanging onto you. I got them in safely due to my supervisor coming in to help me, and for the following week I beat down on myself. But, from then on I’ve learned when a board is best, what my strengths are and what I need to work on, and on breaks I go through the pier to practice what I would do if I had that happen to me again. That was my rookie year, and I’ve continued to come back because I know I am capable.” Balancing safety and visitor fun can be a challenge but Hoffman takes all things in stride. She explained, “In an event where I have to whistle, I like to make eye contact first. Establishing a quick connection with the guests makes them feel more comfortable than scared. If I call them over or walk up, I love to inform them of what’s going on and why we have that rule established, because there’s a better chance they’d help those around them to follow that rule too.” While our nation is in the midst of a prolonged lifeguard shortage, the American Red Cross continues to encourage and offer certification. The official American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification trains candidates to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies with blended-learning and in-person programs consisting of online modules, handson water rescues, CPR/AED for professional rescuers, and first aid, resulting in a two-year nationally recognized credential. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a lifeguard, please reach out to the American Red Cross or the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission.
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