Stronger Bonds

ParkerPoe.com

Stronger Bonds is a podcast that explores the important and sometimes complex topics that local governments and businesses face daily.In each short, digestible episode, Ray Jones and Emily Luther, seasoned attorneys at Parker Poe, will have an honest, unfiltered conversation on a specific issue - whether that's financing, taxes, infrastructure, economic development, or more. It'll be just like sitting in on one of our chats at the office.We have a passion for building relationships and helping clients solve problems. That's what inspired the name "Stronger Bonds" - it represents the bonds we form and the bonds used to finance projects that move communities forward.So join us as we break down intricate subject matter in an engaging, accessible way. We'll give you the 30,000-foot view and arm you with practical knowledge you can use. Be sure to tune in and reach out with any topics you'd like us to cover.Thanks for embarking on this podcast journey with us! Simple Conversations about Complex Topics

  1. From the Council Chair to the Senate Floor: An Interview with Senator Overture Walker

    قبل ١٦ ساعة

    From the Council Chair to the Senate Floor: An Interview with Senator Overture Walker

    In this episode of Stronger Bonds, Emily Luther and Ray Jones welcome South Carolina State Senator Overture Walker for an inspiring conversation about public service, local government partnerships, and the transformative impact of economic development in the Midlands.  Tune in for heartfelt reflections, practical advice for local leaders, and behind-the-scenes stories about Scout Motors and legislative strategies.  Whether you’re interested in government, community building, or personal growth, this episode offers valuable insights and a genuine dose of connection—don’t miss it! Overture’s Senate Bio: South Carolina Legislature Online - Member BiographyStoney Walker Law Firm: Personal Injury & Criminal Defense Attorney | North Charleston & Columbia, SCTimestamped Overview 00:00 "South Carolina Senator's Journey" 06:13 "Reflecting Paths and Choices" 06:45 Stable Families Build Strong Communities 11:23 Reflections on County Council Service 14:07 Economic Contrast: Upstate vs. Midlands 20:21 "Governance Focus: Citizens' Best Interest" 23:03 "Addressing Sex Offender Residency Laws" 27:34 Dr. King Revised Iconic Speech 30:10 "Don't Suffer in Silence" 31:51 "Local Impact Over Legislation" 35:48 "Fostering Local-Government Collaboration" 38:37 "School Board's Role in Policy" 43:00 Mandatory Ignition Interlock Proposal 46:55 "Transferring Roads to Local Control" 49:00 Fireworks, Laws, and Grass 54:58 "Family Holidays and Travel" 55:41 "Family First, Busy Days" Parker Poe - Government & Municipalities Emily Luther Ray Jones Do you have a question, a topic idea, or a request? Please email us at StrongerBonds@parkerpoe.com. Stronger Bonds is recorded and produced by Robby Woodard. If you like golf, check out BestBall.com...your clubhouse for insightful golf content and stories that matter.

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  2. Bridging State and Local Government: Insights from Speaker Murrell Smith

    ٣ نوفمبر

    Bridging State and Local Government: Insights from Speaker Murrell Smith

    In this episode of Stronger Bonds, Ray and Emily sit down with a special guest who’s been at the center of decision-making in South Carolina for nearly 25 years: Murrell Smith, Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives. Join us as Speaker Smith shares his journey from a young attorney with a passion for politics to leading the State House, reflecting on the lessons learned along the way. We’ll get into what it means to build relationships, earn trust, and serve a community—not just at the state level, but locally in Sumter, where the concept of “Team Sumter” has helped foster growth and unity. This episode is packed with insights on the evolving role of state government as a partner for cities, counties, and school districts, strategies for effective advocacy, and the future of economic development in South Carolina. Plus, stick around for some lighter moments where we talk favorite local eats, family, and life outside the legislature. Whether you’re involved in local government, curious about public service, or just want to know what’s happening behind the scenes as South Carolina continues to grow, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Murrell Smith BioSmith RobinsonTimestamped Overview 00:00 State-Local Government Collaboration Insight 03:49 "Seizing Life's Opportunities" 06:35 "Commitment and Legacy in Service" 09:45 "Learn Rules and People" 15:17 "Resolving Issues, Elevating Sumter" 19:17 "Challenges of Part-Time Legislating" 20:58 Family First, Always Balancing Life 23:39 Building Partnerships Over Criticism 28:02 "Streamlining Education and Workforce Goals" 30:46 Infrastructure and Growth Challenges 36:14 "Reviving Nuclear in South Carolina" 38:14 "South Carolina's Reshoring Success" 42:08 Tax Equity and Shared Responsibility 46:31 South Carolina's Justice System Challenges 47:45 "Around the Counter Chats" 50:50 Sumter Dining Highlights Parker Poe - Government & Municipalities Emily Luther Ray Jones Do you have a question, a topic idea, or a request? Please email us at StrongerBonds@parkerpoe.com. Stronger Bonds is recorded and produced by Robby Woodard. If you like golf, check out BestBall.com...your clubhouse for insightful golf content and stories that matter.

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  3. Examining Act 388: Part 3 – A Local Government Perspective

    ١٢ سبتمبر

    Examining Act 388: Part 3 – A Local Government Perspective

    In this episode of Stronger Bonds, Emily Luther and Ray Jones sit down with Todd Glover, Executive Director of the Municipal Association of South Carolina, to dive into the real-world effects of Act 388 on local governments. From limited property tax growth to the growing reliance on sales taxes and fees, they explore the challenges municipalities face in balancing budgets, funding essential services, and navigating shifting tax burdens. Tune in for an engaging and candid discussion packed with firsthand insights, local government stories, and ideas on where reforms could go next—perfect for anyone interested in the intersections of taxes, policy, and community impact! Todd Glover, Executive Director of the Municipal Association of SCMunicipal Association of South Carolina Act 388 of 2006: South Carolina Legislature OnlineTimestamped Overview 00:00 Todd's Aiken Connection Revealed 04:15 Choosing MPA Over Law 09:17 Regional Advocacy Meetings Overview 11:27 Act 388 and School Funding Shift 15:33 Property Tax Caps and Revenue Shifts 18:05 Property Tax Pressure Concerns 23:14 Assessed Value Caps and Millage Queries 24:24 Rollback Millage Impact Discussion 28:44 City Administrator's Tough Decisions 32:07 "Tax System Challenges Explained" 36:04 Tax Burden Shifting Strategies Analyzed 37:20 "Importance of Employee Raises" 46:19 "Persisting Problem, No Solution Yet" Parker Poe - Government & Municipalities Emily Luther Ray Jones Do you have a question, a topic idea, or a request? Please email us at StrongerBonds@parkerpoe.com. Stronger Bonds is recorded and produced by Robby Woodard. If you like golf, check out BestBall.com...your clubhouse for insightful golf content and stories that matter.

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  4. How Local Governments Borrow Money

    ٢٦ أغسطس

    How Local Governments Borrow Money

    Welcome back to Stronger Bonds, where Emily Luther and Ray Jones dive into the fascinating world of government development, taxes, and public finance! In this episode, Emily and Ray are taking it back to basics—shedding light on what it really means to be a “bond lawyer” and demystifying the process of how local governments borrow money. Have you ever wondered how your property taxes are connected to that new school building, park, or updated water system in your community? Emily and Ray break down the different types of government debt, the roles that bond lawyers play, and the multi-step process of bringing public projects from planning to completion. You’ll learn why government borrowing isn’t the same as personal debt, how your elected officials and frontline administrators weigh tough financial decisions, and how the community’s voice sets government priorities in motion. With their usual blend of practical insight, humor, and real-world stories—including summer adventures in France, moving college kids, and the “mystery” of a bond closing—Emily and Ray make the complexities of public finance approachable for everyone, whether you’re tuning in during your commute or just curious about what happens behind the scenes of your local government. Get ready to go behind the scenes of city hall as Stronger Bonds untangles the nuts and bolts of government borrowing, the checks and balances in place to protect taxpayers, and the teamwork required to make community improvements a reality. This episode is packed with valuable takeaways for elected officials, administrators, and citizens alike! Timestamp: 00:00 Inside Public Finance Law 05:48 Challenges for Finance and Admin Staff 08:35 Understanding Millage and Property Tax 11:48 Validating Government Bonds Process 14:13 "Understanding Tax Exempt Debt" 16:20 Understanding Government Debt Types 20:39 Balancing Infrastructure Needs and Public Concerns 23:17 "Revenue Management and Debt Coverage" 25:51 "Revenues and Insights Session" 30:20 Bond Issuance Process Explained 32:19 Strategic Planning and Stakeholder Engagement 37:39 Three-Reading Ordinance Process 41:07 "Teamwork in Bond Authorization" 42:33 "Size Dictates Debt Management" 47:31 Meeting Documentation Verification Process 50:43 The Complexity of Closing Deals 51:38 Bond Deals: A Beginner's Guide 55:15 Act 388 Discussion Preview Parker Poe - Government & Municipalities Emily Luther Ray Jones Do you have a question, a topic idea, or a request? Please email us at StrongerBonds@parkerpoe.com. Stronger Bonds is recorded and produced by Robby Woodard. If you like golf, check out BestBall.com...your clubhouse for insightful golf content and stories that matter.

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  5. Examining Act 388: Part 2 – The Inside Story

    ٣٠ يونيو

    Examining Act 388: Part 2 – The Inside Story

    Welcome to another episode of Stronger Bonds! In this installment, hosts Emily Luther and Ray Jones return after a brief hiatus to continue their deep dive into one of South Carolina's most transformative pieces of tax legislation—Act 388. Picking up where they left off in their Act 388 series, Ray and Emily are joined by a special guest: Vincent Sheheen, former state senator, mayor of Camden, attorney, and author—who was actually in the room during Act 388’s genesis. Together, they unpack the insider story behind the bill, discuss the driving forces and key players that shaped its passage, and explore the compromises that shifted property tax reform in new and sometimes controversial directions. Listeners will get exclusive insights into the legislative process, hear stories from the Senate floor (including the legendary “chicken box” negotiations), and learn about the far-reaching impact of Act 388 on local governments, schools, and South Carolina’s future. Plus, stick around for the always-fun Around the Counter segment, where the team shares their favorite local “hole in the wall” lunch spots—and invites listeners to send in their own recommendations. Whether you’re a property tax aficionado, a local government pro, or just hungry for a fun lunch recommendation, this episode promises sharp insights, candid conversation, and a peek behind the legislative curtain. Thanks for joining us on Stronger Bonds, where we talk all things government, development, taxes, finance, and yes—lunch! Act 388 of 2006: South Carolina Legislature OnlineVincent’s Book: https://uscpress.com/The-Concise-Guide-to-South-Carolina-State-GovernmentThe Honorable Vincent A. Sheheen, Mayor of Camden, SC: Your Guide to Camden, SCVincent A. Sheheen, Attorney & Mediator - Savage, Royall, & Sheheen 00:00 Introduction 03:38 Municipal Millage Levying Questions 06:42 Improving Act 388 Impact 12:23 School Funding's Impact on Property Tax 13:08 Key Legislative Leaders Unite 17:27 Property Tax Revolution and Impacts 22:23 Property Tax Impact on Housing Market 24:05 Senate Compromise on Property Tax 28:07 Tax Breaks Hinder Economic Growth 31:58 Millage Cap Exemptions for Counties 34:02 Property Tax Reform for Education 35:51 Writing South Carolina's Government Guide 41:56 Favorite Hole-in-the-Wall Lunches? 45:28 Exploring Act 388 Insights Parker Poe - Government & Municipalities Emily Luther Ray Jones Do you have a question, a topic idea, or a request? Please email us at StrongerBonds@parkerpoe.com. Stronger Bonds is recorded and produced by Robby Woodard. If you like golf, check out BestBall.com...your clubhouse for insightful golf content and stories that matter.

    ٤٨ من الدقائق
  6. The Role of Municipal Advisors + SC GFOA Conference Insights | Stronger Bonds LIVE

    ٦ مايو

    The Role of Municipal Advisors + SC GFOA Conference Insights | Stronger Bonds LIVE

    Welcome to another episode of Stronger Bonds, the podcast where Emily Luther and Ray Jones dive into the world of government development, taxes, and finance. In this episode, recorded live from the bustling concourse of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Emily and Ray bring listeners the experience of the South Carolina Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Spring Conference—an event that unites public finance professionals from across the state. Ray and Emily sit down with Patrick Jarvis, committee chair and conference planner for the SC GFOA, to talk about the importance of connection, community, and professional development within government finance. Patrick shares insights on the history and mission of the GFOA, the value of continuing education for finance officers, and the importance of bridging collaboration for fiscal success—the conference’s central theme. Later, the conversation turns to Walter Goldsmith, CEO of First Tryon Advisors, who unpacks the vital role of municipal advisors in public finance transactions. Walter breaks down how his firm helps cities and counties navigate the complexities of borrowing for critical public projects and reflects on what it means to be a true fiduciary for clients in a rapidly changing financial landscape. Along the way, Emily and Ray circle back on questions from previous episodes around state tax structure and municipal millage, all while sharing a peek into the organized chaos of their own lives during the hectic month of May. Whether you’re a seasoned government finance pro or simply curious about how fiscal decisions shape communities, this episode offers a lively insider’s look into the networks, challenges, and collaborations that keep our public institutions running strong. Hosts: Emily Luther - https://www.parkerpoe.com/attorneys/emily-s-lutherRay Jones - https://www.parkerpoe.com/attorneys/ray-e-jonesParker Poe - https://www.parkerpoe.com/Links: Government Finance Officers Association of South Carolina - https://gfoasc.org/Patrick Jarvis - https://www.sccommerce.com/about/leadership-directors/patrick-jarvisWalter Goldsmith - https://www.firsttryon.com/bios/walter-goldsmith/Parker Poe - Government & Municipalities Emily Luther Ray Jones Do you have a question, a topic idea, or a request? Please email us at StrongerBonds@parkerpoe.com. Stronger Bonds is recorded and produced by Robby Woodard. If you like golf, check out BestBall.com...your clubhouse for insightful golf content and stories that matter.

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  7. Examining Act 388: Part 1 - Foundations

    ١٨ أبريل

    Examining Act 388: Part 1 - Foundations

    In this episode of Stronger Bonds, Emily Luther and Ray Jones kick off a special multi-part series focused on one of the most important—and often misunderstood—topics in South Carolina local government: Act 388. Emily and Ray open the conversation by laying down the groundwork for understanding property taxes, the "lifeblood" of local government revenue across cities, counties, and school districts. They break down the basic property tax equation, demystifying terms like assessed value, millage rates, and assessment ratios, and highlighting why these tax dollars play such a pivotal role in funding everything from police cars to public schools. After offering this property tax primer, Emily and Ray set the stage for why Act 388 represents such a seismic shift in how local governments operate. They reflect on the nearly 20 years since its passage, using real-world examples (and even a little home renovation humor) to illustrate how this legislation fundamentally changed both the way property values are assessed and how taxes are collected—especially for schools. The episode also teases upcoming interviews with people who were on the frontlines of Act 388’s creation and those wrestling with its ongoing effects. Whether you’re a policy wonk, a taxpayer curious about why your bill looks the way it does, or someone involved in local government, this is the perfect place to build your foundational understanding before diving deeper into Act 388’s impact throughout the rest of the series. Don’t forget to subscribe—and if you have questions you’d like Emily and Ray to address in this series, send them along to strongerbonds@parkerpoe.com. Get ready for a clear, candid, and sometimes surprising look at one of South Carolina’s most consequential pieces of legislation! Time Stamps: 00:00 Property Taxes: Essential Local Revenue 05:27 Property Tax Calculation Explained 08:12 Property Appraisal Methods Explained 10:18 Property Reassessment Timing Explained 13:34 Manufacturing Property Tax Reduction Impact 17:41 Variable Mill Value in Counties 20:08 Variable Revenue, Consistent Costs 22:48 Debt Service Millage Explained 28:32 Supreme Court School Bond Case 30:13 Impact of the Great Swap 34:20 Act 388 Property Tax Cap 36:02 Taxation Shift Mechanism Explained 41:06 Act 388: Strict Millage Cap 43:37 Negative Population Growth and Inflation Impacts 48:02 Act 388's Impact on Local Governance 48:44 Negotiation and School District Challenges Parker Poe - Government & Municipalities Emily Luther Ray Jones Do you have a question, a topic idea, or a request? Please email us at StrongerBonds@parkerpoe.com. Stronger Bonds is recorded and produced by Robby Woodard. If you like golf, check out BestBall.com...your clubhouse for insightful golf content and stories that matter.

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Stronger Bonds is a podcast that explores the important and sometimes complex topics that local governments and businesses face daily.In each short, digestible episode, Ray Jones and Emily Luther, seasoned attorneys at Parker Poe, will have an honest, unfiltered conversation on a specific issue - whether that's financing, taxes, infrastructure, economic development, or more. It'll be just like sitting in on one of our chats at the office.We have a passion for building relationships and helping clients solve problems. That's what inspired the name "Stronger Bonds" - it represents the bonds we form and the bonds used to finance projects that move communities forward.So join us as we break down intricate subject matter in an engaging, accessible way. We'll give you the 30,000-foot view and arm you with practical knowledge you can use. Be sure to tune in and reach out with any topics you'd like us to cover.Thanks for embarking on this podcast journey with us! Simple Conversations about Complex Topics