Aiken City Council Meeting October 26, 2026

The Aiken City Council meeting on October 26, 2026, included several budget and spending actions. Council unanimously approved a FY2026–27 budget carry-forward amendment covering $90,000 for a level-of-service study, $69,000 for a public safety vehicle and outfitting, and $41,585 for the amphitheater at Aiken Town Park. It also unanimously approved a budget amendment for state special appropriations, including $2 million for the Salvation Army’s Center of Hope; the transcript does not clearly capture the other appropriation amounts. Council considered a second-reading ordinance for an SBA Towers LLC lease at the Town Creek Water Plant: a 25-year extension in five-year renewal periods, rent increased to $3,000, 3% annual increases beginning September 16, 2028, and a $20,000 signing bonus. The transcript records a motion and second but does not clearly capture the vote. A homeless-court resolution was approved unanimously; the city estimated about $30,000 for a half-year pilot. The discussion also covered the proposed millage rate, with staff recommending 60 mills, and financing comparisons citing a utility loan rate of about 1.8% versus 3.99% for bonds.

Council did not approve the proposed airport or terminal naming resolution honoring Senator Lindsey Graham; the amendment and underlying resolution failed. No RFP, vendor selection, or construction bid approval was identified. Other agenda items included annexations and a lease renewal for the Friends of the Aiken Railroad Depot, but the transcript does not provide financial terms for the latter.