City Council votes to push back date of non-partisan election
5/13/2008 12:06 AM   0 comment(s) on this story E-mail this story to a friend

By APRIL BAILEY Staff writer

Aiken City Council members agreed to change the date of the upcoming non-partisan election at Monday night's City Council meeting on a 6-0 vote.

Aiken City Councilwoman Lessie Price abstained from voting on the matter.

The new date for the election will be on either Sept. 9 or 16, based on when the City gets approval from the Department of Justice. City officials say they plan to confer with the Aiken County Registration and Elections office to figure out which day is more convenient.

The decision to move back the June 10 date came after several City Council members expressed concern that if the election is held in the summer, many residents may be out of town on summer vacations and would not get the opportunity to vote. There was also a concern among some members that the Democratic and Republican primaries for House District 81 and the State Senate District 25 seat, also held June 10, would distract voters from the non-partisan election.

City Councilwoman Jane Vaughters said when Council initially voted, it did not agree on a date, just that it should be held. She said that since the vote is to decide whether partisan elections are needed, it should be the only issue voters address on the day of the election.

Vaughters also noted that there could be some confusion for voters with the three elections being held all at once. Councilman Dick Smith agreed.

"A non-partisan issue should be on a non-partisan day without the distraction of another election," Smith said.

Mayor Fred Cavanaugh said that since the date was already set, it should be left that way, arguing that those who are out of town on June 10 would have the opportunity to vote on an absentee ballot.

He also pointed out the additional costs changing the date would mean for the City. In terms of costs, City Manager Roger LeDuc said the City would save a couple hundred dollars if the election was held June 10.

Aiken City Council members also gave the initial approval of the City's budget for the 2008-09 fiscal year. Among some of proposals included in the $39,330,325 budget are $300,000 earmarked for planning and traffic studies, $310,000 in waste and water improvements and $30,000 for a proposed dog park at Citizens Park. Council members also approved the first reading of an ordinance setting next fiscal year's millage rate to 66 mills.

In other business, Council:

4 Unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance to increase water and sewer rates by 5 percent.

4 Unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance to amend the Aiken City Code regarding commercial garbage service fees, with an increase of $1.76 a trip.

Contact April Bailey at abailey@aikenstandard.com

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