Several speakers came to the Cayce City Council meeting, Tuesday, to pay tribute to City Manager Jim Crosland. Crosland is leaving his job with Cayce at the end of June to become the Town Administrator of Irmo. The City of Cayce is now looking for Crosland’s replacement. Here’s a link to the YouTube broadcast of the meeting

The first speaker Tuesday was Ali Walker, Director of Business Development at American Engineering Consultants in Cayce. Walker lauded Crosland as an “outstanding leader” who set the standard for integrity and elevated the City of Cayce. Walker said Crosland has always been open, responsive, dedicated, reliable and trusted. She also thanked Crosland for collaborating and forming business partnerships. She said he had an impact and worked to make sure city services ran smoothly.

Scott Lambert, owner of Cayce’s Steel Hands Brewing said Crosland was very responsive and worked with him to solve a longstanding wastewater issue his business was encountering. He said Crosland had a good attitude and was visible and engaging with the business community.

Michael Mayo of Palmetto Outdoors, the tubing outfitter, said Crosland was pivotal in adding a take out on the Congaree River so tubing trips, for children under 10, from the Gervais Street Bridge could flow to Kelly Jones Park in Cayce. Mayo also read a letter from Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber Parade of Lights Volunteer Steve Cohen. Cohen thanked Crosland for his hands-on contribution to the Christmas Parade, which begins on 12th Street in Cayce.

Cayce Resident Chip Salak called Crosland a “man of integrity” with a passion for the City of Cayce. He said he would like for Crosland’s replacement to possess the same compassion, dedication and work ethic as Crosland.

Mark James of Cypress Real Estate Developers is building Hattie’s Crossing, containing 12 houses on Lexington Avenue in Cayce. He called Crosland a “breath of fresh air”  and thanked him for his collaboration, communication and follow-up. He also said Crosland exhibited leadership skills to Cayce Planning and Zoning staff. 

Ben Kelly, a Cayce resident and NAI Columbia Shareholder, credited Crosland for business development, and he said he hates to see him go. “You’re just getting started,” Kelly said. He also said Crosland was forward-looking, easy to deal with and communicate with. 

What Others Said:

Joe Mergo, Nephron Pharmaceuticals Chief Operating Officer, said Crosland “collaborates, cooperates and communicates. He understands the important role of the City of Cayce in water and wastewater management. Nephron is a large-scale employer, with an economic impact. Mergo said Crosland worked to facilitate the business community. Mergo also served for more than 25 years as the Lexington County Administrator. He said Crosland was “tremendous” to work with in that capacity.

Jay Nicolson is General Manager and CEO of the Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission. “We’ve really appreciated working with Jim and the rest of the Cayce squad during his stint as manager this past year,” Nicholson said. We feel like we’ve had substantive discussions and collaboration with vision and understanding of our challenges and opportunities.  These relationships are vital to our continued success, not only as independent enterprise systems, but as regional partners for sustained growth and prosperity. Jim listens and has worked with us to solve challenges. I’m sorry he’s leaving.”

Randy Gibson, the Executive Director of the Lexington Recreation Commission, said it’s unfortunate that Crosland is leaving. “Jim is easy to work with,” Gibson said. “He’s good at developing relationships. He is professional and a good communicator.”