James Island council adopts FY 2025–26 budget; planning fee schedule tabled

The Town of James Island council unanimously adopted the town's fiscal year 2025 nd'026 budget at second reading on Thursday, the council announced, and postponed consideration of an updated planning and zoning fee schedule until next month.

The budget passed on a roll-call vote at second reading as Ordinance 2025-O-4 after a motion and second; council members recorded their votes by voice. Councilman Mullenax was excused for a family wedding and did not participate in the vote. Council members did not identify the motion's maker or seconder on the record.

The planning and zoning fee schedule, listed as Ordinance 2025-O-5 for a second reading, was tabled after the council discovered that a required public hearing had been omitted from the agenda. The mayor moved to table the ordinance until July so the public hearing can be advertised and the item placed properly on the agenda; the motion carried.

Public comment at the meeting included a statement from Marilyn Clifford, who identified herself as a resident of James Island and urged the council to be more transparent about notices and agenda timing. Clifford also referenced the upcoming budget and said she opposed removing a town cost-sharing/tax-credit authority; she urged clearer, timelier public notices.

The council completed its roll call and adjourned to an executive session later in the meeting; officials returned and announced no votes were taken in executive session.

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance 2025-O-4: Adopt FY 2025 nd'026 budget — Outcome: approved (unanimous on second reading). Motion and second: not specified on the record. Vote record: roll-call aye votes recorded; councilman Mullenax excused.

- Ordinance 2025-O-5: Planning and zoning fee schedule — Outcome: tabled to next meeting so a public hearing may be advertised. Motion and second: not specified on the record.