News Summary
The Aiken City Council has approved a new consent agenda aimed at improving meeting efficiency. This change, effective August 25, allows for multiple non-controversial items to be voted on at once. Citizens will be able to request the removal of specific items for discussion. In related news, Barbara Morgan won the Republican primary for District 6, ahead of the general election against Democrat Lisa Smith in November.
Aiken – The Aiken City Council has approved a new consent agenda designed to increase meeting efficiency, a decision made during a session on August 11, 2025. The consent agenda will be implemented starting August 25, 2025, and enables the council to approve multiple non-controversial items with a single vote.
The new agenda will encompass routine matters such as annexations, deeds of dedication, and meeting minutes. Aiken City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh expressed optimism that the implementation of this consent agenda will enhance the overall efficiency of council meetings. This move aligns Aiken with practices already adopted by Aiken County and the Aiken Public School District, which have successfully used consent agendas in their respective operations.
As part of the new procedure, both council members and citizens will have the opportunity to request the removal of specific items from the consent agenda for separate discussion. An online request form will be made available on the city’s website, starting four days before each council meeting. Councilwoman Kay Brohl noted that residents and council members can submit requests to pull items right up until the meeting starts. However, the council will maintain discretion regarding which items are included in the consent agenda, excluding budgetary items that involve expenditures and any item lacking unanimous support on initial reading.
In addition to changes in governance, the city’s political landscape is also shifting as several candidates emerge for upcoming elections. Barbara Morgan secured the Republican primary for Aiken City Council District 6 on August 12, garnering 314 votes, which constitutes 58.6% of the total ballots cast. Her opponent, Clayton Clarkson, received 222 votes, amounting to 41.4%. Morgan expressed appreciation for the campaign process and the backing she received from the local community.
Morgan is set to compete against Democrat Lisa Smith in the forthcoming general election slated for November 4, 2025. Prior to her candidacy, Morgan served as the solicitor for South Carolina’s 2nd Judicial Circuit for two decades before retiring in 2009. Following the primary results, Clayton Clarkson extended his congratulations to Morgan and pledged support for her candidacy in the upcoming general election.
Currently, elections are being conducted for Districts 2, 4, 5, and 6 of the City Council, with the primaries having taken place on August 12. Candidates are required to file a Statement of Intention to run for office, and the deadline for petition candidates is August 21. Turnout for the Republican primary in District 6 was notable, with nearly 14% of registered voters participating in the election process.
This new consent agenda represents a significant procedural change for the Aiken City Council, illustrating a commitment to improving municipal governance while also paving the way for fresh political representation in the city.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Aiken City Council Republican Primary District 6
- WJBF: Filing Opens for Four Aiken City Council Seats
- WRDW: Filing Period Opens for Aiken City Council Candidates
- Wikipedia: Aiken, South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aiken
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