'It's an honor to serve this city:' Former Aiken mayor recognized by S.C. General Assembly

A former Aiken City Council member received recognition from the South Carolina General Assembly during the council's Dec. 9 meeting . Five members of Aiken County's legislative delegation presented the recognition to former Aiken Mayor Rick Osbon during a presentation held near the beginning of the meeting.

"First of all, I want to just thank the delegation. This was quite a surprise for me. I had no idea," Osbon said after receiving the recognition.



"But, I want to say to you [ Aiken Mayor Teddy Milner ] and the council, thank you for your service. It's an honor to serve this city." Serving isn't always easy and sometimes it's easy to forget that the council members are sacrificing time with the families and businesses to make Aiken a better place, Osbon said.

"Thank you for the great job you're doing, mayor," Osbon said. "Thank you for the great job you're [the council and city staff] doing. We just want you to continue to do what you know is right and serve the citizens of Aiken.

I know greater things are ahead for us." Construction of three Aiken projects expected to cost $130 million will begin soon. What to know.

The members who presented the recognition were: S.C. Sen.

Tom Young Jr. and S.C.

Reps. Bill Hixon, Bill Taylor, Melissa Oremus and Charlie Hartz. The delegation was honored to present the recognition to Osbon for his many years of service to the city and to Aiken County, said Young, who chairs the delegation.

Nearly 2,000 Aiken County third graders are getting a free book. Here's how. Osbon served as Aiken's mayor from 2015-2023 .

He also served two terms on the Aiken County Council..