Aiken City Council Special-Called Meeting
The council held a special-called meeting to address two primary items. First, a proclamation was read designating an upcoming week as National Health Center Week. Second, the council conducted a public input session regarding a proposed 1% hospitality tax increase. Council members explained the state-mandated caps on hospitality and accommodation taxes, provided context on millage rates, and detailed the intended use of tax revenue for a new parking deck and improvements to parks and recreation facilities. Residents voiced concerns about the tax's potential economic impact on local citizens, specifically the elderly, requested clarification on which food items would be classified as taxable prepared foods, and discussed broader issues regarding city growth, infrastructure, and overcrowding.