Water, sewer rate increase could come soon for Aiken residents
May 21—A proposed increase in water and sewer rates could be taking effect July 1.
Aiken City Council will consider the ordinance on second reading during its Monday night meeting. The first reading passed unanimously at council's May 9 meeting.
If passed, the increase would officially start on the first of July.
A residential user whose rate is based on 800 cubic feet of sewer, the city's baseline rate, would see their monthly water and sewer bill increase approximately $2.46. Users of 400 cubic feet would see a monthly increase of about $1.60, while users of 200 cubic feet would see a $1 increase.
On a yearly basis, users of 800 cubic feet would see a $29.52 increase, 400-cubic foot users would have a $19.20 increase and users of 200 cubic feet would have a $12 increase.
The increased income would go toward meeting "increases in the costs associated with providing water and sewer utilities to the customers of the city, including the construction of a new water plant on Shaws Creek," according to the agenda.
Council will also consider on second reading a proposed townhome development off University Parkway, just west of the Aiken County Government Center. The development would consist of two tracts, bisected by Lincoln Avenue, with 160 for-sale units to be constructed in two phases.
The ordinance was passed on first reading at council's April 25 meeting. After some residents raised concerns and asked for more information, a public information session was held May 18 at American Legion Post 212 for adjacent property owners and other interested parties.
"Present were the developers and City officials to explain the project," according to the agenda. "The residents and other interested parties left the session with more information and understanding for the project."
Council will also discuss a proposed mixed-use project with both residential and commercial components to be located where Whiskey Road intersects Powderhouse Road, behind the Circle K gas station.
The commercial component is proposed to be comprised of a 50,000-square-foot space for an anchor tenant, and 20,400 square feet of additional retail space and future out-parcel opportunities, according to the request.
The residential component would include 48 single-family attached dwelling units in nine buildings. The proposed access to the mixed use development is one access on Whiskey Road and two access points on Powderhouse Road, according to the request.
The Aiken Planning Commission approved unanimously to recommend the plan to Aiken City Council.
Aiken City Council meets downtown in the old Municipal Building, 214 Park Ave. S.W. Meetings are open to the public and are livestreamed on the city's YouTube page, youtube.com/cityofaikensc.
The regular meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Monday, with a work session being held at 5:30 p.m. An executive session is planned after the work session, where council will discuss the proposed sale of real estate owned by the city of Aiken.
