Council approves budget amendment, concept plan changes and multiple annexations on first readings

The Aiken City Council voted on a package of budget and land‑use items April 28, approving a second‑reading budget amendment and several first‑reading ordinances that will proceed to subsequent steps in the city process.

Budget amendment: The council approved on second reading an ordinance to amend the fiscal year 2024‑25 budget for the water and sewer fund to cover increased sewer charges billed to the city by the Aiken County Public Service Authority. The ordinance was read into the record by staff and moved by Councilwoman Proll with a second from Councilwoman Diggs; the motion passed unanimously.

Concept plan amendments: Council approved first readings and public hearings for two concept plan changes. One amends the concept plan for a mixed‑use building in the Village at Woodside (Society Hill Drive), returning a parcel from open space to a buildable designation; planning staff recommended approval with conditions requiring conformance with landscaping, tree preservation and parking requirements and execution of condition agreements within 90 days. The second amends the Junction Shopping Center concept plan to allow a Valvoline Instant Oil Change outparcel; planning staff recommended approval with conditions including monument signage limited to 11 feet and 50 square feet and compliance with tree preservation and landscape requirements.

Annexations and zoning: The council approved first readings and public hearings to annex and zone multiple properties, all with unanimous votes at first reading. Actions included annexation and zoning to RMH (residential multifamily high density) for a 0.26‑acre lot at Pinecrest Avenue Northwest and Terry Drive; and multiple annexations to RS‑15 (residential single family) for addresses including 1009 Murray Court (0.69 acres), 125 Vivian Drive (0.5 acres), 783 Westover Drive (0.17 acre), and several Lynnwood/Linwood Drive parcels (0.38–0.40 acres each). A request to annex 1411 East Pinelog Road and zone it GB (general business) was recommended for annexation effective after July 13, 2025 so the owner could complete a final fireworks season on the property; planning recommended approval with that condition.

Economic incentives: Council gave first reading to an ordinance authorizing economic development incentives under the city code for Wellers Ridge SC LLC. The proposed project is a 60‑unit affordable housing complex with an outlined $16,600,000 investment and an estimate of six units targeted for households at or under 40% of area median income and 47 units targeted at or under 60% of area median income. The ordinance states the reimbursements and rebates are capped at $70,000.

Procedure and next steps: Most of the land‑use actions heard on April 28 were first readings and will return for additional consideration according to the city's ordinance process; the sewer budget amendment was approved on second reading and will be incorporated into the fiscal year budget. The council recorded unanimous votes on the recorded motions; exact numerical tallies were not specified in the public transcript.