Council takes first readings on 60‑mill tax rate, utility rate increases and FY2026–27 budget

The Aiken City Council took first readings on a series of fiscal items including the millage rate, recommended utility rate adjustments and the proposed FY2026–27 budget.

Staff presented an ordinance setting the tax millage for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026 at 60 mills, the same rate in place since 2021. "Our millage rate has been 60 mils since 2021," staff said, noting repeated reductions since 1989. Council took first reading on the ordinance.

As part of the utility enterprise updates, staff presented a rate‑study recommendation of an 8% increase to water and sewer rates to support ongoing obligations, the Shaw's Creek water plant and debt‑service coverage. Under the proposed adjustment, a typical residential user using about 800 cubic feet would see an estimated increase of about $5.51 per month; lower‑volume users would see smaller increases.

Staff also presented a proposed adjustment to the stormwater fee (the city implemented a stormwater fee in 1992 and has made periodic increases); staff said many single‑family lots would see a monthly stormwater charge around $8.33 under the proposal and emphasized stormwater revenues are dedicated to a dedicated enterprise fund used only for stormwater infrastructure and maintenance.

Finally, staff gave first reading of the FY2026–27 budget, describing a balanced proposal at the current millage and highlighting priorities including a recommended 4% increase for employees (2% cost‑of‑living and 2% merit contingent on performance), continued utility investments, funding for parks maintenance and two new building‑inspection positions. Council took first reading on the ordinance to adopt the budget; final adoption requires subsequent readings and procedures.

Council did not finalize these items tonight; staff said additional hearings and statutory notices will be required before final adoption.