Beliefs & Ethics

Respect for people: We treat all people in a manner that respects their personal dignity, and expect employee courtesy and thoughtfulness in interactions with employees, residents, and other individuals engaged in business with the City.
Effective Use of Public Funds: We believe in responsible stewardship of public funds, with the most cost effective use of the taxpayer's money.
Support for people: We commit ourselves to assist all members of the community, giving particular attention to helping those who can least help themselves.
Encouragement for Idealism, Creativity, and Innovation: We encourage our employees to maintain a sense of idealism in every area of government and to question established practices. We take pride in our uniqueness, value the diversity of our community, and support the cultural and artistic richness offered by this mix.
Responsive to the Public: We listen to members of our community, understand their needs, and develop timely policies and programs. We make, and keep, realistic commitments.
Commitment to Excellence: We strive for quality in all our actions, setting the highest goals and standards for ourselves and our colleagues. We hire highly skilled and involved staff who understand the technical aspects of government and care for people. We recognize and reward both individual and group contributions to the success of this City.
Responsibility for the Environment: We provide sensitive, competent leadership in the protection and improvement of our natural and urban environments.
Support for Business Development and Citizenship: We support business and recognize the importance of generating interest in and income for the City. We seek to develop a physical, economic, and social environment where new businesses can be nurtured and established businesses can flourish. We encourage business owners and employees to actively support this community.
Commitment to the Total Community: We recognize the service needs of the entire Aiken community and care about the concerns of all residents of this city.

Ethics Policy: We recognize that the proper operation of a democratic, open government requires that public employees be independent, impartial, and responsible to the people of this City. Employees of the City of Aiken shall not have any financial interest, direct or indirect, in the business of the City beyond the direct compensation provided as salary for his or her service to this City. An employee of the City of Aiken will not accept special treatment, consideration, or advantage beyond the benefits available to every member of this organization. We recognize that the appearance of impropriety can damage the reputation of the City and all employees, and agree that public employees live and work in a very open environment and must maintain a standard of ethics as high as, or higher than, the demands on other members of this community.