Stronger Bonds - Live from the GFOA!

Pipe Dreams: What’s Really Happening Underground

Explore the critical role of water and sewer infrastructure in community development, public health, and environmental sustainability. Jay Nicholson, General Manager and CEO of the Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission, joins Ray Jones and Emily Luther to share insights on infrastructure challenges, growth management, and the importance of public awareness. Jay Nicholson serves as General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission (JMWSC), headquartered in Lexington, South Carolina. JMWSC was formed in October 1992 under the Joint Municipal Water Systems Act with four founding members—the County of Lexington, the City of Cayce, the Town of Pelion and the Town of Swansea—and has since grown to serve eleven member jurisdictions across Lexington County, including the City of West Columbia, the Town of Batesburg-Leesville, the Town of Springdale, the Town of Gaston, the Gilbert-Summit Rural Water District, the Town of Lexington and the Town of South Congaree. The system has quadrupled in size since the 1990s. Jay holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Presbyterian College. Before joining JMWSC, he served as Utilities Director for the Town of Chapin. He worked his way up at JMWSC over the course of his career—starting as an Engineering and Construction Technician, then progressing to Manager of Operations, before being named General Manager and CEO. Under Jay’s leadership, JMWSC has executed major regional initiatives, including the Batesburg-Leesville Water System Expansion Project (a 40,000-foot pipeline addressing a long-standing state Consent Order) and a 40-year water and sewer service agreement with the Town of Swansea announced in late 2025/early 2026.  Jay is a past President of the Water Environment Association of South Carolina (WEASC) and was inducted into the 5S—the Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers—an honorary recognition for outstanding service to WEASC and the broader water environment profession. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-nicholson-87388019/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-nicholson-87388019/] Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission - https://www.lcjmwsc.com/ [https://www.lcjmwsc.com/] Water Plant Diagram [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D3kjft3CrKBlqSEWnQNwJEWPnxzPM9Xg/view?usp=sharing] Parker Poe - Government & Municipalities [https://www.parkerpoe.com/industries/government-municipalities] Emily Luther [https://www.parkerpoe.com/attorneys/emily-s-luther] Ray Jones [https://www.parkerpoe.com/attorneys/ray-e-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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbywoodard/].  If you like golf, check out BestBall.com [https://bestball.com/].

Stronger Bonds - Live from the GFOA!

On this special episode of Stronger Bonds, the team takes the stage live from the 2026 South Carolina Government Finance Officers Association (SC GFOA) Conference. In front of an audience of public finance leaders and professionals from across the state, the conversation dives into the power of relationships, leadership, communication, and collaboration in local government. From real-world challenges to meaningful success stories, this live session highlights how stronger connections create stronger communities. Whether you attended the conference or are tuning in afterward, this episode offers practical insights, authentic conversations, and plenty of takeaways for anyone working to build trust and impact within their organization. https://gfoasc.org/ [https://gfoasc.org/] Parker Poe - Government & Municipalities [https://www.parkerpoe.com/industries/government-municipalities] Emily Luther [https://www.parkerpoe.com/attorneys/emily-s-luther] Ray Jones [https://www.parkerpoe.com/attorneys/ray-e-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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbywoodard/].  If you like golf, check out BestBall.com [https://bestball.com/].

When Company Comes Callin'

This episode, Emily & Ray are joined by Jeff Shacker — a new member on the Parker Poe Consulting team — to explore how local governments can effectively navigate private development proposals, emphasizing due diligence, strategic planning, and managing expectations to foster successful public-private partnerships. Parker Poe - Government & Municipalities [https://www.parkerpoe.com/industries/government-municipalities] Emily Luther [https://www.parkerpoe.com/attorneys/emily-s-luther] Ray Jones [https://www.parkerpoe.com/attorneys/ray-e-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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbywoodard/].  If you like golf, check out BestBall.com [https://bestball.com/].

Affordable Housing Property Tax Exemption

This episode explores the complex relationship between government investments in affordable housing and the associated public costs, focusing on property tax exemptions in South Carolina and North Carolina. We discuss the role of nonprofits, legislative changes, and the ongoing debate about ensuring effective and compliant affordable housing initiatives. Listen to our previous episode on Affordable Housing [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2390194/episodes/15829621]  Parker Poe - Government & Municipalities [https://www.parkerpoe.com/industries/government-municipalities] Emily Luther [https://www.parkerpoe.com/attorneys/emily-s-luther] Ray Jones [https://www.parkerpoe.com/attorneys/ray-e-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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbywoodard/].  If you like golf, check out BestBall.com [https://bestball.com/].

Installment Purchase Revenue Bonds

In this episode of Stronger Bonds, hosts Ray Jones and Emily Luther delve into the complexities of Installment Purchase Revenue Bonds (IPRBs), a flexible financing tool for local governments. They discuss the mechanics of IPRBs, the role of nonprofits in facilitating these bonds, and the impact of recent legislative changes on their use. The conversation highlights the benefits and challenges of IPRBs, emphasizing their importance in funding essential community projects while navigating the intricacies of local government financing. Key Topics: * The critical difference between IPRBs and general obligation debt, and why nonprofits are central to this process * How local governments can use revenue sources beyond property taxes—like development fees, hospitality taxes, and even infrastructure impact fees—to make installment payments * The market’s view of IPRBs, their cost relative to traditional bonds, and why they aren’t just "cheaper" or a loophole * Legislative tweaks: what recent bills could mean for this flexible financing tool and your community’s growth plans * Real-world examples of cities using IPRBs for projects that serve development, all while preserving borrowing capacity for emergencies and essential infrastructure Link to Senate Bill 891: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/bills/891.htm [https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/bills/891.htm] Parker Poe - Government & Municipalities [https://www.parkerpoe.com/industries/government-municipalities] Emily Luther [https://www.parkerpoe.com/attorneys/emily-s-luther] Ray Jones [https://www.parkerpoe.com/attorneys/ray-e-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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbywoodard/].  If you like golf, check out BestBall.com [https://bestball.com/].