City Quick Connect Podcast From The Municipal Association Of South Carolina

Casey Fields, Daina Riley Phillips and Erica Wright discuss the ongoing work on the state budget, including the announcement that there will be no earmarks in this year’s budget, as lawmakers work to use revenue for a statewide income tax deduction.

Municipal Association Legislative and Public Policy Advocate Daina Riley Phillips explains the state budget debate to take place next week in the Senate Finance Committee. Legislative and Public Policy Advocate Erica Wright describes the movement happening for both the House and the Senate versions of the military tax increment financing bills.

Casey Fields and Jake Broom discuss the proposed SC Energy Security Act as well as the Senate and House versions of military tax increment financing district bills, both of which are moving forward.

Casey Fields and Jake Broom take a look at the newly amended Senate version of the liquor liability bill, as well as the proposed SC Energy Security Act and the bill that would allow credit unions to receive public fund deposits, such as from municipalities.

Casey Fields and Jake Broom cover the House version of the state budget, which would fully fund the Local Government Fund and also provide for Hurricane Helene relief, bridge modernization and a statewide Water and Sewer Fund. They also explore the ongoing debate over the Senate version of tort reform and liquor liability reform.

Casey Fields and Jake Broom discuss progress on the liquor liability insurance issue in the SC House, as well as the Senate bill that would allow cities to spend military tax increment financing district funds on affordable housing projects.

Casey Fields and Jake Broom take a look at the progress of S244, the tort reform bill, as well as the House subcommittee consideration of bills involving annexation notices for county governments and building permit timelines.

Casey Fields and Jake Broom review the House Ways and Means Committee version of the state budget, which fully funds the Local Government Fund, provides $222.3 million in Hurricane Helene relief, and supports bridge modernization and beach renourishment. They also discuss ongoing testimony on the liquor liability bills under consideration.

Casey Fields and Jake Broom cover action on bills that would impact electric utilities, annexation of agricultural land, liquor liability and boat taxes. They also cover the adjournment of debate on the bill that would prohibit the SC Department of Environmental Services from denying property owners the right to repair or replace wells or septic tanks.

Casey Fields and Jake Broom discuss bills that would create a property tax exemption for nonprofits, restrict annexation of farm properties, and prohibit cities from denying septic tank or private well installations. They also explain subcommittee action on bills aimed at reducing the burden of liquor liability insurance costs on businesses.

Casey Fields and Jake Broom talk about the SC House debating changes to its governing rules, Gov. Henry McMaster’s push to revive the project expanding the V.C. Summer nuclear plant, as well as ongoing debate on liquor liability and tort reform.

On a week with snowy weather disrupting legislative work, Casey Fields and Jake Broom discuss several election-related bills in the General Assembly. These include S36, which concerns polling locations; S37, which would require municipalities to choose one of two election dates; and S38, which would set specific dates for special elections.

Casey Fields and Jake Broom discuss the first week of the 2025 legislative session, including testimony on maintaining municipal funding levels from the Local Government Fund, an initial look at state budget projections, and H3309, which would make changes to electric utility regulations.

Municipal Association of SC Director of Advocacy Casey Fields and Chief Operating Officer Jake Broom discuss the 2025 – 26 legislative session, including the new makeup of the General Assembly, how local officials can be a part of the process, and the new legislative tracking system. They also talk about what to expect at the Association’s Hometown Legislative Action Day on January 21 in Columbia.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law opened many federal funding opportunities to cities and towns. Municipal Association Legislative and Public Policy Advocate Erica Wright talks with Lake City Grants Writer Lisa Jones about Jones’ experiences working with the National League of Cities’ Local Infrastructure Hub to support her grant writing efforts, and the funding Lake City has received as a result. Learn more: https://localinfrastructure.org/

Sewer backups can be a costly and challenging issue for public works staff to address. John Ciesielski and Kayde Niemira of the Municipal Association of South Carolina’s Risk Management Services discuss prevention and maintenance efforts, as well as how to handle liability for backups.

Councils who establish public comment sessions must plan and conduct them carefully, potentially setting rules on the time allowed or the conduct of those who speak. Municipal Association Field Services Managers Charlie Barrineau and Naomi Reed discuss how to keep public comment sessions productive and orderly.

The City of Greenville received a 2024 Achievement Award from the Municipal Association for its development of the extensive 60-acre Unity Park at a location once characterized by segregated park facilities and neglect. Mayor Knox White discusses the history of neighborhood advocacy dating to the 1930s that led to the park’s development, the community input on its facilities, and its innovative stormwater drainage improvements along the Reedy River. See the award video at www.masc.sc/achievement-award/2024/public-service-city-greenville.

In 2023, the Municipal Association of SC, along with Main Street SC, its downtown revitalization technical assistance program, created WeShopSC, a statewide e-commerce marketplace. Jenny Boulware and Jonathan Irick of Main Street SC discuss how the service has worked since then with Kate Giovambattista and Dannah Dawood of Beyond Main, which partnered to develop the platform. They also talk to two of the business owners now using it: Sheena McLaughlin, owner of Gaffney Massage & Holistic Therapies in Gaffney; and Heather Moore, owner of The Makers Market in Inman.

The Town of Mount Pleasant received a 2024 Achievement Award from the Municipal Association for the police department’s work, in partnership with the nonprofit WakeUp Carolina, to help reduce opioid overdoses and help those who have been affected by them. Capt. Christopher Rosier of the Mount Pleasant Police Department discusses how the initiative has operated and the effect it has had in the community. See the award video at https://www.masc.sc/achievement-award/2024/public-safety-town-mount-pleasant.