Mayor Fred Cavanaugh and County Council Chairman Ronnie Young stood before the group and discussed joint development projects, such as the proposed Whiskey Road overlay district and the proposed connector road between Whiskey Road and Silver Bluff Road.
They discussed joint committees of City and County representatives sitting down at the table and working toward a common goal – the improvement of the quality of life offered in Aiken and Aiken County.
"What's good for the City is good for the County," Cavanaugh told members of the Chamber. "What is good for the County is good for the City."
Not too many years ago the idea of members of the two governments working together toward common goals was a foreign concept. The attitude seemed to be "we are the City and you are the County."
Now the two groups have found a way to pool their resources to tackle projects that would otherwise be impossible.
The proposed Whiskey Road overlay district would impose greater zoning restrictions on County properties along the busy thoroughfare. It is hoped that greater control will allow for the more orderly development of the roadway, 70 percent of which is located in the county.
While elected leaders are to be applauded for the new spirit of cooperation, the professional staffs of the City and County also deserve recognition for their willingness to tackle new, often times unfamiliar projects. The professional staffs are led ably by Aiken City Manager Roger LeDuc and Aiken County Administrator Clay Killian, who have helped to nurture the spirit of cooperation.
The cooperation between the two governments is encouraging, but even more encouraging is the fact that Cavanaugh and Young both reported encouraging budget news from the two governments.
Reduction in car tax revenue, a cut in the telecommunications tax and other economic pressures have weighed upon the governments, but both have dealt with them.
It has been 15 years since the City of Aiken had a millage rate increase, Cavanaugh said. Young reported that the 4 mill increase passed by the Council this year was the first increase in a decade.
Both leaders said they believe the area is ripe for industrial development as soon as the national economy rebounds.
While the strong financial news is encouraging, the cooperation between the two governments is reason for even greater optimism as common solutions for common challenges are sought.
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