Stronger Bonds
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
Stronger Bonds
Examining Act 388: Part 1 - Foundations
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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
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.
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