Mayor's Message- June 2025
Summer is in full swing! What a great time of year to enjoy all our island has to offer.
One of the primary duties of City Council is approving a budget annually. Recently, City Council approved the city’s budget for the next fiscal year which begins on July 1. On the city’s website is the full budget for those that like to review the details and there is also a 1 page summary for those that like to review at a high level. The bottom line - good news, no property tax increase for this year! Also, our cash reserves continue to grow even with several projects/initiatives slated to begin or be completed during the next budget year. Some highlights of the proposed budget:
- Total revenues are projected to be $32.7 million
- Total tourism revenue is projected to be $7.6 million
- Total expenses are projected to be $30.1 million
- Personnel costs account for 41% of total expenses
- No new debt is anticipated in this proposed budget
Some of our projects planned include:
- Drainage/Stormwater – Palm Blvd between 38th and 41st Avenues, Waterway Blvd multi use path elevation, drainage/ditch maintenance
- Dredging around the IOP marina
- Reconstruct tennis courts at the Rec Center
- Numerous vehicle/equipment replacements for Police, Fire and Public Works Departments
- Public Works transition of trash cans for future side loading trucks. This will allow for a truck with an automated arm, like the recycling trucks, to more efficiently pick up our residential garbage
- Green space around the public dock at IOP marina
- Continued beach maintenance at Breach Inlet and in Wild Dunes
Additional information and updates on these and other projects can be found at iop.net.
There are many great upcoming community events to enjoy with friends and neighbors. You can get updates and find more information at iop.net on upcoming events or you can sign up for Sunnie to receive text alerts of city events and news by texting "Hello" to (877) 607-6467.
June 7th – Sand Sculpting Competition – Front Beach, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
June 12th – Sea Stroll and Learn – 25th Avenue Beach Access, 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
June 19th – Farmers Market – IOP Rec Center, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
June 27th – Coffee with the Mayor – Public Safety Building (30 J C Long Blvd) 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve! See you around the island.
Phillip Pounds, Mayor IOP
843-252-5359