Capital Projects Sales Tax in Aiken could bring improvements to parks, public safety

AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - If you live in Aiken, it’s almost time to decide how your tax dollars will be used for the Capital Projects Sales Tax.

The tax could include some major improvements to Citizens Park, public safety, roads, bridges and much more, with a total price tag of $79,659,732.99.

Parks are one thing people in Aiken care about and want to see more of.

“Equipment for smaller kids and more safer equipment as well,” said mom, Karen Emrich.

With nearly $80 million to spend the list of possible projects include:

• $7,859,733 in water and sewer improvements at Beverly D. Clyburn Generations Park Installation of water and sewer at facility as part of additional phases and improvements
• $14 million in water system improvements with the utility service area Waterline replacement and installation, improvements to elevated water tanks and unidirectional flushing program in downtown area
• $14 million for sewer system improvements including lift stations within the utility service area Lift station upgrades and sewer system improvements
• $900,000 for vacuum truck for cleaning of stormwater infrastructure including vaults and lines
• $1.2 million for corrugated stormwater pipe replacement and improvements in Houndslake and downtown area
• $1.3 million in stormwater system improvements to existing ponds
• $3 million for improvements to Hopelands Gardens and Rye Patch including exterior walls, stormwater infrastructure, Rye Patch, Thoroughbred Hall of Fame and Museum, the gardens
• $2 million in major thoroughfare traffic signalization improvements focusing on (1) Whiskey Road, (2) Silver Bluff Road, (3) Richland Avenue and (4) Pine Log Road
• $6.3 million for fire truck/apparatus replacement. One ladder truck, two engines and one tanker
• $1.2 in body worn camera replacements for public safety officers
• $2 million in security camera system additions to additional neighborhoods and installation in city parks
• $5 million for Citizens Park improvements
• $5 million for H.O. Weeks Activities Center improvements to include new roof, new locker rooms and restrooms, workout facility, indoor climbing wall, new HVAC system for Gym 1, hardwood floor replacement
• $850,000 for improvements to Newberry Street [Amentum] Playhouse. New roof, new HVAC system, lighting, freight elevator installation
• $5 million for improvements to Beverly D. Clyburn Generations Park including but not limited to amphitheater, tennis and pickleball courts and disc golf course
• $2.5 million for t City/County Fire Training Center containing burn building, tower, and classroom space
• $5.95 million for city-owned building, infrastructure and amenity improvements including rebuilding of Public Safety Station 2, paving of multiple park walking tracks, resurfacing of Public Safety Headquarters parking lot, Public Services parking lot, Park Operations Center Parking lot, Municipal Building parking lot
• $1 million for construction of sidewalks, bicycle lanes and pedestrian intersection improvements in downtown grid area
• $600,000 for an upgraded Public Safety and citywide radio system

“The staff starts up with a large list that always has a value greater than the amount of money we receive. Then internally we kind of call it down, and then we talk to the council about about recommendations,” said City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh.

In November, you get to decide if these projects become a reality.

“The ballot will be detailed in that it will list every project that the city of Aiken and Aiken County and the other municipalities plan to spend their allotment of funds on,” he said.

Monday’s meeting was just a work session. They’ll have another work session. On March 25, they’ll vote on the list of projects.

If you vote no, the 1% sales tax will expire in April 2026.

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