Aiken Residents Get Voice on New Hospitality Tax

In Aiken, the city is poised to vote on raising its hospitality tax from 1 % to 2 %. The change would apply only to money spent on prepared foods and restaurant meals—groceries remain exempt. If approved, the extra 1 % would bring in roughly $2.5 million, matching the current tax’s annual revenue.

City officials note that about a third of this cost would fall on visitors rather than locals. The revenue is earmarked for several community projects:

• A new parking deck downtown
• A soccer complex
• Upgrades to parks and recreation facilities
• Other municipal improvements

Public Hearing

• When: Monday evening at 5:30 p.m.
• Where: City Council Chambers, second floor of the Municipal Building (111 Chesterfield St.)
• Participation: Residents may speak for five minutes each; written comments can be mailed or delivered to the City Clerk before the meeting.

After all comments, the city council will vote on adopting the tax increase. The decision could shape Aiken’s budget and development plans for years to come.