Aiken council renews city manager Stewart Biennbaum’s employment agreement unanimously

Aiken City Council on Monday unanimously approved an employment agreement extension with City Manager Stewart Biennbaum.

The vote followed extended public comment. Several residents urged delaying the decision until newly elected council members are seated so incoming representatives could weigh in. Others—local business owners, neighborhood leaders and long-time residents—offered public endorsements of Biennbaum’s performance and urged the council to approve the extension.

Why it matters: The city manager is the chief executive of the city bureaucracy; renewing the agreement secures leadership continuity as the council moves into ongoing downtown redevelopment and infrastructure efforts.

Public comment and council debate During public comment, Wendy Collins Gutfarb asked council to delay the renewal until the new council takes office. John Davis and several others replied with public endorsements of Biennbaum’s performance during hurricane response, water infrastructure work and other city operations.

Multiple council members spoke in support of Biennbaum, noting his long service, responsiveness to residents and the municipal professional community’s regard for him. Council members said Biennbaum routinely meets with residents and staff, has overseen hurricane recovery and municipal projects, and that staff and city services rely on his continuity.

Council action After public remarks and discussion among council members, council voted unanimously to approve the employment agreement extension for Stewart Biennbaum.

What’s next Staff said the extension takes effect immediately; Biennbaum will continue to advise council on pending projects, including downtown redevelopment and infrastructure work. Council did not specify changes to the contract publicly during the meeting.