City Council approves new salary structure for members and mayor tied to development courses

The Irmo Town Council convened on April 15, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including a significant proposal regarding the salary structure for council members and the mayor.

The meeting began with a proposal to create a new salary framework that would incentivize council members and the mayor through the completion of professional development courses. Under this proposal, the base salary for council members would increase from $7,200 to $10,000 annually, while the mayor's salary would rise from $9,600 to $13,500 annually. Additionally, there would be incentives for completing training through the Municipal Election Officials Institute.

After the proposal was introduced, a motion was made and seconded to move forward with the discussion. The mayor then deferred to staff member Courtney, who provided context on the proposal. Courtney explained that the council had engaged with the Archers Group to conduct a salary, classification, and compensation study, which informed the proposed changes.

The meeting highlighted the importance of aligning compensation with professional development, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of the council and its leadership. Further discussions on this topic are expected as the council considers the implications of the proposed salary adjustments.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to professional growth and effective governance, setting the stage for future deliberations on the proposal.