This summer, IOP City employees will get some long-awaited pay raises, though not necessarily what they were wanting. On April 28, city council members voted 6-3 to approve raises ranging from 1.5%-7.85%, beginning July 1 at the start of the city’s new fiscal year. The action came after months of discussion stemming from 2025. The new annual pay rates include: Fire … [Read more...] about Pay raises approved for IOP City employees: Firefighters, several council members, say increases not enough
Politics
First IOP Town Hall brings crowds, questions
Isle of Palms’ first-ever public town hall meeting on March 26 served as a chance for residents to meet the nine members of city council, ask questions about ongoing issues and express concerns about the direction the island is headed for the near and long-term future. Approximately 300 people – half in person and half on YouTube livestream – turned up at the IOP Recreation … [Read more...] about First IOP Town Hall brings crowds, questions
IOP Council committee nominees lack no shortage of expertise
The new year will barely be here before city leaders will be taking actions to move Isle of Palms toward a future that is already arriving. As the island progresses toward a balance to maintain resident life, year-round vacationers and coastal land that is constantly under threat from weather and waves, IOP City Council members will be working on multiple fronts that will not … [Read more...] about IOP Council committee nominees lack no shortage of expertise
Mayor’s Message: Let’s have a happy, healthy and hopeful new year
As we enter 2026, I want to extend my wishes for a happy, healthy and hopeful new year. There is something truly special about beginning a new year surrounded by neighbors who care for one another and by the natural beauty we are fortunate to call home. The start of a new year often invites reflection and renewal. It’s a time when many of us set resolutions: goals to grow, … [Read more...] about Mayor’s Message: Let’s have a happy, healthy and hopeful new year
Margin of Victory: IOP Mayor Pounds secures re-election by single vote in runoff
It was the closest mayoral election in Isle of Palms history, maybe the entire state and country, and needed a runoff and final recount to decide the winner. But in the end, incumbent IOP Mayor Phillip Pounds was re-elected for a second term over councilman Scott Pierce by the margin of a single vote – 947 to 946. Pounds’ victory came 16 days after IOP’s Nov. 4 municipal … [Read more...] about Margin of Victory: IOP Mayor Pounds secures re-election by single vote in runoff
Resident seawall verdict favors removal; state expects homeowner to challenge
It was expected to be a definitive, landmark court case for South Carolina’s coastal areas, but has so far ended up as a somewhat ambiguous ruling with no definite eventual outcome. On Oct. 23, a South Carolina Administrative Law Court judge ordered that a seawall illegally constructed by Isle of Palms resident Rom Reddy at 118 Ocean Blvd. between September 2023 and February … [Read more...] about Resident seawall verdict favors removal; state expects homeowner to challenge
First responder retention a top priority after alarming turnover rates
With IOP City Council elections finished, one item that all members will be addressing in early January is employee retention – mainly concerning the island’s police and fire departments. And before winter ends, both departments are anticipating new incentives to keep qualified personnel and hopefuls for the long haul. “Since 2020, we’ve lost 20 police officers,” said IOP … [Read more...] about First responder retention a top priority after alarming turnover rates
MARGIN OF VICTORY: IOP Mayor Pounds secures re-election by single vote in runoff
It was the closest mayoral election in Isle of Palms history, maybe the entire state and country, and needed a runoff and final recount to decide the winner. But in the end, incumbent IOP Mayor Phillip Pounds was re-elected for a second term over councilman Scott Pierce by the margin of a single vote – 947 to 946. Pounds’ victory came 14 days after IOP’s Nov. 4 municipal … [Read more...] about MARGIN OF VICTORY: IOP Mayor Pounds secures re-election by single vote in runoff
City hires new zoning administrator after 6-month vacancy
uette Hart, a native of Jamaica, has been hired for the long overdue zoning administrator position for the City of Isle of Palms. Hart’s hiring came after a six-month vacancy and search. “It is right up my alley with my knowledge of architecture and city/ urban planning,” said Hart, who relocated with her family from Florida to IOP. “I have always worked in private … [Read more...] about City hires new zoning administrator after 6-month vacancy
Candidates running for IOP mayor, city council confirmed
Before the polls open on Nov. 4, Isle of Palms residents will have an opportunity to get to know the candidates running for mayor and IOP City Council. There is a three-way race for mayor and a seven-way race for four council seats. This year’s candidates bring an eclectic mix of experience, fresh ideas and long-standing community involvement. They will be tasked with … [Read more...] about Candidates running for IOP mayor, city council confirmed