On June 23, Ashley Hunter of MPA Strategies, using the City of Cayce's Facebook page, released a statement regarding communication and transparency with its residents. 

“The City of Cayce places tremendous value on transparency and what we refer to as 'over-communication' to our Cayce citizens,” the post said. “It is rare we have to correct misinformation; however, we want you to know the facts. Your input and your voice matter to each of us. ”

According to the statement, city leaders have met six times over the last 20 days to discuss the process of hiring a new city manager. 

Jim Crosland, the current city manager, announced his retirement in May after serving the city in various roles for over 28 years, including city manager, deputy city manager and former assistant director of the Cayce Department of Public Safety.

Shortly after announcing his retirement, Crosland was named Irmo’s new town administrator, effective in July. 

Crosland announced his retirement before the job in Irmo, his hometown, became available, according to earlier reporting from the Chronicle.

On June 23, the city announced that Michael Conley will be the next city manager.

The city said it publishes the agenda for each meeting more than 24 hours in advance. The full packet is also published and includes staff memos, RFP bid comparisons, budget line items and more. This information is available on the city's website.

Before the regularly scheduled meetings, the city publishes a graphic with the full agenda, as well as a link to watch the meeting virtually. 

According to the post about transparency, after most meetings, city administrators publish bullet points so residents can learn more about specific votes taken.

“This has been [a] period of transition for our City. But you will never find a group of elected officials, city management team members and city staff that are more passionate, or work harder to give you the answers and support you need,” the statement said. 

If you are unable to find an agenda, the city provided ways to reach staff members for assistance:

• 24/7 phone line: 803-794-0456
• City Hall: 803-796-9020
• Public information officer: 803-665-3676
• City staff email: info@caycesc.gov
• PIO email: ahunter@mpastrategies.com

Hunter, in the comments of the post, wrote it "was posted because we feel it is important that citizens are aware of the procedures we have in place for posting public meeting information."

The post also came not long after The State Newspaper reported that, in 2023 and 2024, the City of Cayce was paying another public relations firm in addition to Hunter's MPA Strategies.

A Facebook user in the comments of the city's June 23 post about transparency asked which public relations firm had made the post, to which Hunter responded that she had posted it.

"I believe the other media relations firm that was hired only had access to PD social media," she wrote in the comments.