Port Royal, August 28, 2025
News Summary
The Port Royal Town Council has approved significant salary increases for its members and the mayor to attract diverse candidates for leadership positions. Council members will see salaries rise from $3,600 to $12,000, a 233% increase, while the mayor’s salary will jump from $4,800 to $15,000, a 212% hike. These adjustments come amidst a budget expansion for the upcoming fiscal year and will take effect after the November election. The new budget also includes a cost-of-living raise for town employees and a reduction in the town’s tax rate.
Port Royal Town Council has approved significant salary increases for council members and the mayor amidst a budget expansion for the fiscal year 2026. The current salaries of town council members are set to rise from $3,600 per year to $12,000, reflecting a staggering increase of 233%. The mayor’s salary will also see an increase from $4,800 to $15,000, representing a 212% hike. The new pay rates will take effect after the upcoming election set to take place on November 4, 2025, where two Town Council seats will be filled.
The decision comes as Port Royal aims to attract a more diverse pool of candidates for town leadership positions. Mayor Kevin Phillips advocated for these increases, highlighting that council members have not received a salary raise since at least 2002. The proposed salary raises are also in response to the compensation levels seen in nearby municipalities; for example, in Beaufort, council members earn $11,000, and the mayor earns $16,500, while in Hilton Head, the mayor receives $25,000 and council members make $12,800.
As per state law, the approved raises cannot take effect until after the election of at least two council members. The upcoming election will also bring term limits for current council members Mary Beth Heyward and Darryl Owens, who are occupying seats that will be up for election for the first time.
The new budget for 2026 also includes a 3% cost-of-living raise for town employees, with police officers receiving an additional 2% increase. Notably, the town’s tax rate is being reduced from 74 to 72 mills as part of this budgetary revision.
Candidate filing for the election commenced on August 8, 2025, and will close at noon on September 5, 2025. Candidates interested in running for the Town Council must file in person at Port Royal Town Hall, located at 700 Paris Avenue, and pay a filing fee of $100. Eligibility requirements dictate that candidates must be registered voters residing within the town limits and complete the non-partisan Statement of Intention of Candidacy form. Additionally, candidates are required to submit state ethics filings, including a Statement of Economic Interests and Campaign Disclosure, through the State Ethics Commission.
Registered voters must adhere to the following deadlines to ensure their participation in the upcoming election:
- In-Person Registration: Must be completed by October 3, 2025
- Online/Email/Fax Registration: Deadline is October 5, 2025
- By Mail Registration: Must be postmarked by October 6, 2025
For more information regarding the election process and voter registration, residents can visit the Beaufort County voting website.
FAQ
What are the new salary rates for Port Royal Town Council?
The new salary for council members will be $12,000 per year, while the mayor will earn $15,000 per year starting after the next election.
When will the next Town Council election take place?
The General Election is scheduled for November 4, 2025.
What are the requirements to run for Town Council?
Candidates must be eligible voters who reside within Port Royal town limits and must file in person at Town Hall along with a $100 filing fee.
When does candidate filing for Town Council close?
Candidate filing will close at noon on September 5, 2025.
What are the deadlines for voter registration?
Voter registration must be completed by October 3, 2025, in person, by October 5, 2025, online/email/fax, and postmarked by October 6, 2025, by mail.
| Position | Current Salary | New Salary | Increase Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council Member | $3,600 | $12,000 | 233% |
| Mayor | $4,800 | $15,000 | 212% |
| Beaufort Council Member | N/A | $11,000 | N/A |
| Beaufort Mayor | N/A | $16,500 | N/A |
| Hilton Head Mayor | N/A | $25,000 | N/A |
| Hilton Head Council Member | N/A | $12,800 | N/A |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort County Prepares for Upcoming School Year
Beaufort County Schools Propose $17 Million Budget Increase
Additional Resources
- Your Island News: Former Port Royal Mayor Robinson Dies
- Island Packet: Beaufort News
- WSAV: Port Royal Caps Short-Term Rentals
- Wikipedia: Port Royal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Port Royal, South Carolina
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