Aiken County public meetings in 2025
19 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Voter Registration & Elections
The Board will discuss the poll worker process and the selection of early voting centers for 2026. Members will also review plans for the 2026 primary and general elections.
- Poll worker process
- 2026 Early Voting Centers
- Plans for 2026 Primary and General Election
The board unanimously approved the agenda, several prior meeting minutes, added the Director’s Report to the agenda, and approved the updated board meeting calendar for posting on the website. No substantive decisions were made on the poll worker process or 2026 early voting centers, which will be revisited later. The meeting was then adjourned.
- Approve agenda as presented (motion by G. Owen, seconded by L. Austell) – Unanimous
- Approve Oct 14 2025 minutes (motion by D. Nix, seconded by L. Austell) – Unanimous
- Approve Nov 6 2025 Municipal Board of Canvasser minutes (motion by D. Nix, seconded by G. Owen) – Unanimous
- Amend agenda to add Director’s Report (motion by D. Nix, seconded by L. Austell) – Unanimous
- Approve updated board meeting calendar for website posting (motion by L. Boddy, seconded by L. Austell) – Unanimous
- Adjourn meeting (motion by G. Owen, seconded by L. Austell) – Unanimous
Legislative Delegation
The Aiken County Legislative Delegation will meet to receive reports from various county agencies and organizations. County Administrator Brian Sanders will discuss sewer capacity, abandoned housing, North Augusta animal control, and a potential TIF district.
- SCDOT presentation by Adam Humphries and Alex Bennett
- Aiken County Public School District report from Dr. Corey Murphy
- Aiken County Veterans Affairs report from Major Dwight Bradham
- Salvation Army report from Captain Michael Good
- Discussion on Aiken County sewer capacity, abandoned housing, and potential TIF district
Board of Voter Registration & Elections
The Board of Voter Registration and Elections will meet to conduct a provisional ballot hearing and administer the canvasser oath. The body will then canvass the results for several municipal general elections.
- Provisional ballot hearing
- Canvassing of Wagener Municipal General Election
- Canvassing of Salley Municipal General Election
- Canvassing of Monetta Municipal General Election
- Canvassing of Burnettown, New Ellenton, and Perry Municipal General Elections
The board accepted the meeting agenda, approved a provisional ballot from New Ellenton, certified the results of the Burnettown, Monetta, Salley, Perry, Wagener and New Ellenton municipal elections, and then adjourned the meeting.
- Accepted agenda (unanimous)
- Accepted provisional ballot from New Ellenton (unanimous)
- Certified election results for Burnettown, Monetta, Salley, Perry, Wagener and New Ellenton (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
Augusta Regional Transportation Study (ARTS) Policy Committee
The ARTS Policy Committee voted to approve the Draft 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan, with revisions to be made during the public comment period ending August 16, 2025. It also recommended approval of FY 2024‑2033 Transportation Improvement Program and 2050 MTP amendments that include five Carbon Reduction Program projects with specified costs. Additional staff updates included adopting the 2026 meeting calendar, adopting South Carolina Safety Performance Targets for 2022‑2026, and amending the FY 2026 Unified Planning Work Program to add a Microtransit Feasibility Study.
- Approval of Draft 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP)
- Approval of five CRP projects: Edgefield Rd (US‑25) $125,000; Martintown Rd (SC‑230) $125,000; Main St (SC‑191)/Howlandville Rd $30,000; Whiskey Rd radar upgrades $625,000; Rutland Dr/Rudy Mason Pkwy $200,000
- Adoption of the 2026 Calendar of Meetings (action required)
- Adoption of South Carolina Safety Performance Targets (2022‑2026) (action required)
- Amendment to FY 2026 Unified Planning Work Program to include a Microtransit Feasibility Study (action required)
The committee elected Senator Tom Young as Chairman Pro‑Tem and approved the previous meeting minutes and agenda, both by unanimous vote. It adopted the 2026 calendar of meetings and the South Carolina Safety Performance Targets (2022‑2026) without opposition. The subcommittee also approved an amendment to the FY 2026 Unified Planning Work Program to fund a $50,000 microtransit feasibility study for the City of Aiken, again by unanimous vote.
- Elected Senator Tom Young as Chairman Pro‑Tem (unanimous)
- Approved August 7, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
- Approved current agenda (unanimous)
- Adopted 2026 Calendar of Meetings (unanimous)
- Adopted South Carolina Safety Performance Targets 2022‑2026 (unanimous)
- Approved FY 2026 UPWP amendment to add microtransit feasibility study (unanimous)
Aiken County Transportation Committee
The committee will hold a work session to discuss intersection improvements and resurfacing projects from SCDOT. Members will also review the September 2025 financial statement and the status of county dirt road paving projects.
- SCDOT intersection improvement and resurfacing project updates
- September 2025 Financial Statement
- C Fund monthly status report for county dirt road paving
- Discussion regarding E. Pine Log and DeLoach Way
- US 78 Charleston Hwy Study
Board of Voter Registration & Elections
The Aiken County Board of Registration and Elections will review updates and concerns related to the upcoming November 4 elections. Topics include in‑house absentee voting, election‑night reporting, municipal early voting, and the selection of an interim chairperson. The meeting also includes routine items such as the director’s report and public comments.
- Updates/concerns for November 4 Elections
- In‑house absentee voting
- November 4 Election Night Reporting
- Municipal Early Voting
- Interim Chairperson for ACBVRE
The board unanimously approved its agenda and the September 8, 2025 meeting minutes. It then voted unanimously to move Vice‑Chair Tara Reeder to the interim chair position, leaving the vice‑chair seat vacant, until the January 2026 elections. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.
- Approved agenda (unanimous vote)
- Approved September 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous vote)
- Appointed Tara Reeder as interim chairman, vacating vice‑chair (unanimous vote)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous vote)
Recreation Commission
The Aiken County Recreation Commission will review administrative reports on park improvements and discuss capital projects. The body will also consider a new meeting schedule for 2026 and updates on existing facilities.
- Review of PARD Grant projects for Langley Pond and Roy Warner Park
- Capital Sales Tax Projects for Recreation Center Development
- Discussion on Harrison-Caver Park Community Center
- Consideration of Langley Pond Boat Ramp and Motorboat Horsepower Limitation
- Approval of 2026 Recreation Commission Meeting Schedule
The commission could not approve the meeting minutes, agenda, or formally adjourn because a quorum was not present. Staff provided updates on several recreation projects, grant statuses, and upcoming events, but no actions were approved or denied. No new business items were voted on.
- Minutes not approved (no quorum)
- Agenda not approved (no quorum)
- Meeting not adjourned by vote (no quorum)
Board of Voter Registration & Elections
The Board will discuss strategies to increase voter turnout for the November 4, 2025 election. Members will also review plans for Early Voting Centers and phone bank processes for the 2026 Midterms.
- Voter turnout strategies for 11/4/25
- County Early Voting Centers plans for Midterm 2026
- Poll worker recruitment and process
- Community outreach projects update
The board approved the meeting agenda and added the July 3 Board of Canvasser minutes, both by unanimous vote. The June and July board minutes were approved by unanimous consent. Chairman Walls submitted her resignation effective September 30, 2025. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.
- Approve agenda (unanimous – all in favor)
- Amend agenda to add July 3 Board of Canvasser minutes (unanimous – all in favor)
- Approve June and July board minutes (unanimous consent)
- Adjourn meeting (unanimous – all in favor)
Augusta Regional Transportation Study (ARTS) Policy Committee
The South Carolina Subcommittee of the ARTS Policy Committee will discuss the Draft 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan and its financial project list. The body will also consider amendments for five traffic signal and radar upgrades funded by the Carbon Reduction Program.
- Draft 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) approval
- Edgefield Road (US-25) traffic signal upgrades
- Martintown Road (SC-230) traffic signal upgrades
- Main Street (SC-191)/Howlandville Road (S-81) traffic signal upgrades
- Rutland Drive/Rudy Mason Parkway (SC-118) traffic signal upgrades
The committee approved the May 1 meeting minutes and the agenda for the August 7 meeting by unanimous vote. It also approved the Draft 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan, with the understanding that revisions will be made as needed before the public comment period ends on August 16, 2025. All motions passed unanimously.
- Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Approved agenda (unanimous)
- Approved Draft 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan with revisions pending public comment (unanimous)
Recreation Commission
The Commission will receive staff reports on several grant-funded improvements for local parks and ponds. The body will also discuss updates on Capital Sales Tax projects and the FY26 budget.
- PARD Grant: Langley Pond Dock and Navigation Improvements and Roy Warner Park Basketball Court
- Water Recreation Fund: Langley Pond Fishing Pier and Jackson Boat Landing Stabilization
- Recreation Trails Program Grant: Harrison-Caver Park Walking Track
- Land and Water Conservation Fund: Boyd Pond Amphitheater
- Capital Sales Tax Projects: Recreation Center Development
The commission lacked a quorum, so votes on the minutes, agenda, and adjournment could not be taken. No formal approvals, denials, or other actions were recorded during the meeting.
Board of Voter Registration & Elections
The board accepted the meeting agenda. It certified the Burnettown special election results, noting a 1.35% voter turnout and declaring Maxine Jefferson the winner. It also certified the Salley mayoral special election results, noting over 50% turnout and declaring Ronald Sturkie the winner, and then adjourned the meeting.
- Accepted agenda (unanimous – all in favor)
- Certified Burnettown special election results (unanimous – all in favor)
- Certified Salley special election results (unanimous – all in favor)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous – all in favor)
Board of Voter Registration & Elections
The Board of Registration and Elections will meet to set the certification date and time for the Burnettown and Salley Special Elections. Members will also discuss poll worker processes and recruitment for 2026. The agenda includes reviews of SEC and county level budgets.
- Certification time and date for Burnettown and Salley Special Elections
- Poll worker recruitment and processes for 2026
- SEC and county level budgets
- Job descriptions of new employees
- Precincts with over 1500 registered voters
Augusta Regional Transportation Study (ARTS) Policy Committee
The South Carolina Subcommittee of the Augusta Regional Transportation Study (ARTS) will discuss updates to the 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan and planning studies for specific corridors. The body is also tasked with recommending approval for the Draft FY 2026 Unified Planning Work Program.
- Recommendation for approval of the Draft FY 2026 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP)
- Discussion of the 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) project list and prioritization tool
- SC 118 Intersection Analysis planning study
- US 78 (Charleston Highway) Intersection Analysis planning study
- Ascauga Lake Road Corridor Study
The committee approved the minutes from the February 6 meeting and the agenda for the May 1 session, both by unanimous vote. The members then unanimously approved the Draft FY 2026 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) as presented. No other actions were voted on.
- Approved minutes from Meeting No. 25-02-01 (Feb 6, 2025) – unanimous vote
- Approved agenda for Meeting No. 25-05-01 (May 1, 2025) – unanimous vote
- Approved Draft FY 2026 Unified Planning Work Program – unanimous vote
Board of Voter Registration & Elections
The Aiken County Board of Voter Registration and Elections will meet primarily for routine procedural items: approval of the March 10, 2025 minutes, old business (a poll clerk survey), director's report, and public comments. No new business or substantive decisions are listed on the agenda.
- Old Business: Poll Clerk Survey discussion
The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the March 10, 2025 minutes. No substantive policy actions were taken; the board discussed upcoming elections, staffing, and surveys but deferred related decisions to future meetings. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.
- Approved agenda (unanimous vote)
- Approved March 10, 2025 minutes (unanimous consent)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous vote)
Recreation Commission
The Aiken County Recreation Commission will hear administrative reports on several grant-funded projects including Langley Pond dock improvements, Jackson Boat Landing stabilization, Harrison-Caver Park walking track, and Boyd Pond amphitheater. Old business includes updates on capital sales tax projects for recreation center development, Hurricane Helene recovery, and a lockable gate at Langley Pond. New business includes issues at Harrison-Caver Park community center, distance viewers at Langley Pond, and basketball court and batting cage at Roy Warner Park.
- Langley Pond Dock and Navigation Improvements (PARD Grant)
- Jackson Boat Landing Stabilization (Water Recreation Fund)
- Harrison-Caver Park Walking Track (Recreation Trails Program Grant)
- Boyd Pond Amphitheater (Land and Water Conservation Fund)
- Capital Sales Tax Projects: Recreation Center Development
The Recreation Commission could not approve the meeting minutes because a quorum was not present. The agenda also was not approved for the same reason. No votes were taken on any agenda items, and the meeting adjourned without a quorum.
- Minutes not approved – no quorum
- Agenda not approved – no quorum
- Meeting not formally adjourned – no quorum
Board of Voter Registration & Elections
The Aiken County Board of Voter Registration and Elections will hold a regular meeting on March 10, 2025. Agenda items include reviewing the ACBVRE Policy Document, a Budget Report, and an Ethics Filing Deadline update. The meeting also includes a Director's Report, public comments, and an executive session for personnel matters. No votes or decisions are specified in the agenda.
- Review of ACBVRE Policy Document (old business)
- Budget Report discussion (new business)
- Ethics Filing Deadline update (new business)
- Director's Report
- Executive session for personnel matters
The Aiken County Board of Voter Registration and Elections approved the updated policy document (version 2.2) with three additional attachments for Voter Registration Hearings and Election Protests. The board also added a Poll Worker Survey topic to the agenda and discussed using Survey Monkey for the surveys. Director Burden reported on staff changes, budget preparations, and the successful North Augusta Republican primary.
- Approved the agenda with an added Poll Worker Survey item under Old Business.
- Approved the minutes from the January 13, 2025 board meeting.
- Approved the updated policy document (version 2.2) with three additional attachments.
- Decided to use Survey Monkey for the Poll Clerk surveys as a priority.
- Entered executive session to discuss the director's performance evaluation.
- Resumed the meeting after executive session and adjourned.
Augusta Regional Transportation Study (ARTS) Policy Committee
The SC Subcommittee of ARTS will elect 2025 officers, then vote on several transportation planning documents: the 2025 meeting schedule, a FY 2025 UPWP budget amendment, an amendment to the 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan, an amendment to the FY 2024-2033 Transportation Improvement Program for the Powderhouse Road Connector Phase II, and two sidewalk improvement projects through the Transportation Alternatives Program. Additionally, they will consider approving the 2020 and 2055 'Do-Nothing' travel demand models and hear presentations on the 2055 MTP and ongoing studies.
- Election of 2025 Chairman and Vice-Chairman
- Approval of FY 2025 Unified Planning Work Program Budget Amendment
- Approval of 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan Amendment and 2024 SC System Performance Report
- Approval of FY 2024-2033 TIP Amendment for Powderhouse Road Connector Phase II
- Approval of two TAP applications: Mustang Drive and Shiloh Heights Road sidewalk improvements
The South Carolina Subcommittee of the Augusta Regional Transportation Study Policy Committee approved a $65,500 budget amendment to the FY 2025 Unified Planning Work Program, a TIP amendment advancing the Powderhouse Road Connector Phase II schedule, and two sidewalk improvement projects (Mustang Drive and Shiloh Heights Road) with an 8-2 vote. The subcommittee also adopted the 2024 STAMP System Performance Report, approved the 2020 and 2055 'Do-Nothing' Travel Demand Models, and elected officers for 2025.
- Elected Mayor Kimberly Williams as Chairwoman and Mayor Briton Williams as Vice-Chairman (unanimous)
- Approved FY 2025 UPWP budget amendment of $65,500 (unanimous)
- Adopted 2024 STAMP System Performance Report and amended 2050 MTP (unanimous)
- Approved FY 2024-2033 TIP amendment for Powderhouse Road Connector Phase II (unanimous)
- Approved TAP sidewalk projects for Mustang Drive and Shiloh Heights Road (8-2)
- Approved 2020 and 2055 'Do-Nothing' Travel Demand Models (unanimous)
Board of Voter Registration & Elections
The Aiken County Board of Voter Registration and Elections meets to discuss routine administrative matters, including approval of previous meeting minutes, old business items such as relationship building with County Council and a poll worker survey, and new business covering upcoming 2025 municipal elections and the Republican primary for North Augusta City Council. Public comments are invited under the board's three-minute speaking rule.
- Approval of November 18, 2025 board meeting minutes
- Discussion of relationship building with County Council
- Poll worker survey update
- Review of 2025 municipal elections
- Upcoming Republican primary for North Augusta City Council
The Aiken County Board of Voter Registration and Elections met and approved the agenda and prior minutes. They discussed building relationships with county council, planned a poll worker survey, and reviewed the 2025 municipal election calendar. No formal votes were taken on these items; the only motions were to approve the agenda, approve minutes, enter and exit executive session, and adjourn.
- Approved agenda as printed (unanimous)
- Approved November 18, 2025 minutes by unanimous consent
- Entered executive session for director's performance evaluation (unanimous)
- Exited executive session (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
Recreation Commission
The Aiken County Recreation Commission will review and discuss multiple grant-funded projects, including dock improvements at Langley Pond, a walking track at Harrison-Caver Park, and an amphitheater at Boyd Pond. Old business includes updates on capital sales tax projects for several parks and a Hurricane Helene recovery update. New business covers a staffing update and a proposal for a lockable gate at Langley Pond.
- PARD Grant: Langley Pond Dock and Navigation Improvements
- Water Recreation Fund: Langley Pond Fishing Dock/Pier and Jackson Boat Landing Stabilization
- Recreation Trails Program Grant: Harrison-Caver Park Walking Track
- Land and Water Conservation Fund: Boyd Pond Amphitheater
- Capital Sales Tax Projects: Recreation Center Development, Johnny Wood Park, Roy Warner Park, Harrison-Caver Park
The Aiken County Recreation Commission met on January 13, 2025, but lacked a quorum, so no votes were taken on minutes, agenda, or adjournment. Staff reported on grant applications and awards, including a $300k Land and Water Conservation Fund award for the Boyd Pond Amphitheater, and discussed ongoing projects like the new Recreation Center and Langley Pond improvements. No formal decisions were made.
- No quorum; minutes approval failed
- No quorum; agenda approval failed
- No quorum; adjournment vote failed
- Boyd Pond Amphitheater awarded $300k grant (reported)
- Johnny Wood Park retaining wall awarded to lowest bidder ~$17k (reported)
- Langley Pond dock and navigation improvements requested $20k (reported)
- Jackson Boat Landing stabilization requested $86k from Water Rec Fund (reported)
- Harrison-Caver Walking Track grant application due Feb 7 (reported)