Port Royal, September 5, 2025
News Summary
The Port Royal Town Council has approved a substantial salary increase, raising compensation from $3,600 to $12,000 for council members and to $15,000 for the mayor. This marks a 233% and 212% increase respectively, aligning council pay with neighboring communities. The new salaries will take effect only after the upcoming election of at least two council members. Mayor Kevin Phillips initiated the discussion, emphasizing the necessity for the raise after a lengthy period without adjustments, while the overall budget includes a cost-of-living increase for town employees and a tax rate reduction.
Port Royal Town Council members recently approved a substantial salary increase for themselves as part of the 2026 budget. The decision will elevate their annual pay from the current $3,600 to $12,000, marking a 233% increase. The mayor will see an increase to $15,000, up 212% from the current $4,800.
These significant salary adjustments aim to align council compensation with neighboring communities. In contrast, council members in Beaufort earn $12,000 annually, while mayors receive $15,000. Bluffton’s council members earn $11,000, and the mayors receive $16,500. The mayor of Hilton Head makes $25,000, and their council members earn $12,800.
The new salaries will not take effect until after at least two council members are re-elected in the upcoming November elections. The seated council members, Mary Beth Heyward and Darryl Owens, face re-election during this time.
This conversation regarding salary raises was initiated by Mayor Kevin Phillips during a recent budget work session. Phillips expressed that while the discussion felt “weird,” it was necessary due to the prolonged period without an increase. Town Manager Van Willis confirmed that council members have not received a pay adjustment since at least 2002.
On average, council members attend about 24 regular meetings and workshops each year. Before this raise, their pay equated to roughly $2 per hour for their time and responsibilities. Recently, council duties have included managing an $11 million budget and addressing significant waterfront redevelopment issues.
Councilwoman Heyward, the longest-serving member of the council, noted that the last salary increase was in 33 years ago. The council’s decision comes as part of a broader budget that also includes a 3% cost-of-living raise for town employees and a 5% increase in pay for police officers. Additionally, the property tax rate is set to decrease from 74 to 72 mills.
The overall budget reflects a spending increase of $956,370, primarily due to associated personnel and insurance costs. The council’s discussions and decisions indicate a significant shift in how local government operations and salaries are addressed in Port Royal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new salaries for Port Royal Town Council members and the mayor?
The new salaries will be $12,000 for council members and $15,000 for the mayor.
How much will the salaries increase by percentage?
The salary for council members will increase by 233%, and the mayor’s salary will increase by 212%.
When will these salary increases take effect?
The new salaries can only be enacted after the election of at least two council members, which will take place in November.
Have Port Royal council members had a salary increase before?
No, council members have not received a salary increase since at least 2002, with the last increase occurring 33 years ago.
What other budget increases are included for the town of Port Royal?
The budget will also implement a 3% cost-of-living raise for town employees and a 5% increase for police officers while decreasing the tax rate from 74 to 72 mills.
Key Features of the Salary Increase and Budget Changes
| Details | Current Salary | Proposed Salary | Percentage Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council Members | $3,600 | $12,000 | 233% |
| Mayor | $4,800 | $15,000 | 212% |
| Cost-of-Living Raise for Town Employees | N/A | N/A | 3% |
| Increase for Police Officers | N/A | N/A | 5% |
| Tax Rate | 74 mills | 72 mills | – |
| Total Budget Increase | N/A | N/A | $956,370 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort County EMS Implements New Scheduling System
Port Royal Town Council Approves Salary Increases
Beaufort County Prepares for Upcoming School Year
Beaufort County Schools Propose $17 Million Budget Increase
Additional Resources
- The Post and Courier: Safe Harbor Port Royal Development
- Wikipedia: Local Government in the United States
- Island Packet: Port Royal Town Council Salary Increase Details
- Google Search: Port Royal Town Council
- Easy Reader News: Redondo Council Approves Budget
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Local Government
- Juneau Empire: Douglas Cruise Port Announcement Delayed
- Google News: Douglas Cruise Port
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
