Defense Contractor Attorney Near Ridgeland, SC

The Ridgeland Town Council voted June 5 to increase residential water rates beginning July 1 while commercial rates will be decreased.

Water and sewer rates will be increasing for some customers in the Town of Ridgeland beginning July 1, town officials confirmed.

The Ridgeland Town Council voted to approve second reading of an ordinance during its June 5 meeting to amend the water and sewer rates and fees for residential, commercial and irrigation accounts for the beginning of its fiscal year, July 1.

“There will be a five percent increase for residential water and seven percent increase for residential sewer,” Town of Ridgeland Administrator Dennis Averkin said. “Commercial customers will see a one percent rate decrease. Only residential customers will be impacted.”

Averkin said in comparison to utility rates statewide, Ridgeland’s increase is less than surrounding utilities. He said Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority has an increase of 9.3 percent, Walterboro has a ten percent increase, Orangeburg has an increase of 15.4 percent, Hilton Head’s Public Service District has an increase of 5.7 percent and Charleston has an increase of 7 percent in its rates.

Beginning July 1 of this year, as an example, in-town residential water customers using up to 2,000 gallons a month will pay $15.88 per month and out of town customers will be paying $23.82. In town residential sewer customers using up to 2,000 gallons per month will pay $28.03 and out of town customers were paying $40.69. All of the town’s rates for 2025 can be found on the town’s website at Town-of-Ridgeland-2025-26-Water-Sewer-Rates-Ordinance.pdf.

Ridgeland’s increase, Averkin explained, was due to several factors such as the town facing more state and federal regulatory requirements in the water industry.

“Per a recent study published by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), over the past 12 months salaries for qualified workers have increased by over 20 percent,” he said. “Chemicals are up by over 35 percent, equipment is up nearly 40 percent, and energy costs have risen by over 20 percent in the last 12 months.”

Averkin said the town is also facing more state and federal regulatory requirements than ever before in the water industry---meaning the town is obligated to spend more money on testing, meeting regulatory requirements and capital expenditures to maintain and improve its water distribution and water treatment standards.

“Each year, the town performs an exhaustive rate study which is performed by Raftelis rate consultants, the leading rate consultancy experts in the United States,” he said. “The results of the study determined that a rate increase was needed in order to avoid operating losses. The rate increase is the bare minimum required to pay operating expenses, debt service and required capital improvement projects without losing money.”

Another plus for the town included an upgrade to its water reclamation facility. About four years ago the town held a ribbon cutting for its $10 million Jimmy Mixson Water Reclamation Facility upgrade. The project, officials said at that time, was one that gave the town clean water.

Averkin said at the time of the ribbon cutting the town received a $1 million Department of Commerce Rural Infrastructure Authority grant, the largest that had been presented in the state at the time, and a $4 million USDA Rural Utilities Service grant.

“Of the $10 million total cost for the project, over $4 million will be paid by state and federal grants, so the net cost to the town’s users is a little under $5.8 million," Averkin previously said of the project. "We were able to save the taxpayers a huge amount of money.”

Averkin said at the time, even with the new facility, the town's water and sewer rates were remaining lower than Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority.

“The water treatment plant was financed by USDA loans that have another 35 years remaining on their payment schedule,” Averkin said last week. “The plant treats wastewater only and is a direct discharge facility—meaning that its output is “drinking water quality”. So, in essence, this is a much higher treatment quality than the previous water treatment plant it replaced.”

The James Fisher Memorial Foundation YMCA took its first steps to being constructed with a groundbreaking ceremony held Jan. 30.

Ground was broken Jan. 30 on the future location of a YMCA which will serve not only Jasper County but also the surrounding counties.

The James Fisher Memorial Foundation YMCA in Ridgeland will feature a 33,100 square foot facility at the entrance of the East Argent community at 11010 East Argent Parkway.

"Set on a sprawling 19.9-acre site, the new YMCA will feature a six-lane pool, expansive wellness area, multiple group exercise rooms, childcare and nursery facilities, a café, locker rooms, and administrative offices," Nancy Kirk, YMCA Marketing and Development Director said.

Kirk said the facility will be surrounded by scenic trails and green spaces, providing ample outdoor recreational opportunities. She said the design plans allow for future expansion, including the addition of a gymnasium, water park, and multi-purpose sports fields.

“We are beyond excited to bring the YMCA to the Jasper community,” John Fontana, Chairman of the Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry Board, said. “The Y is so much more than just a gym or pool—it's a vital community hub that truly serves everyone."

Fontana said Congressman James Clyburn’s vision of making amenities accessible and affordable for all aligned perfectly with the YMCA's mission.

"Whether it’s providing affordable childcare for parents, offering swim lessons to keep our youth safe, or creating a social space for seniors, the Y is committed to building a healthier, stronger, and more connected community,” Fontana said.

Numerous dignitaries attended the event, including Hardeeville City Manager Josh Gruber. While not a Hardeeville native, Gruber said the YMCA was a big part of his life growing up and building friendships at his local YMCA.

"We are so excited to start with this process," Gruber said. "Today is just the beginning, there's so much more that is coming ahead of us, not only for the YMCA but for the City of Hardeeville. The memories will last a lifetime, and they will be cherished by future generations who visit the YMCA. We are looking forward to seeing this building become a reality."

The future YMCA received a big boost in late 2023 when the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry awarded the new Jasper YMCA an impact grant of $150,000 to help fund construction of the new facility coming to the East Argent development.

Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry CEO Michael Bostwick previously said they had been working hard to bring programs and a facility to Jasper County with several fundraising efforts over the past few years.

Bostwick said the groundbreaking was made possible with the support of several people, including Congressman James E. Clyburn, Hardeeville Mayor Harry Williams, Senator Tom Davis, their developer Jeff Coggin, State Representatives Bill Herbkersman and Weston J. Newton, George W. Hicks Jr. from USDA, the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, the James Fisher Memorial Foundation, and the YMCA Board of Directors.

“There is still much to be done, and we are actively raising funds to complete the project," Bostwick said.

Anyone interested in learning how they can contribute to the project can reach out to Bostwick directly at m.bostwick@beaufort-jasperymca.org.

RIDGELAND, S.C. —

The collegiate golf season wraps up in style this weekend at Congaree Golf Club with the Arnold Palmer Cup, a unique co-ed competition showcasing the top college golfers from the United States and around the world.

Hosted in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, the event brings together 24 elite amateur players—12 men and 12 women—from each side in Ryder Cup-style team play featuring the top NCAA players. This year, Team USA is led by South Carolina women’s golf coach Caitlyn Anderson, adding a hometown touch to an already prestigious event.

“It’s so fun to just be so close to home, just two hours down the road,” Anderson said. “It’s a major honor to be part of the Arnold Palmer Cup and represent our country and the state of South Carolina—and my University of South Carolina—on home soil.”

Adding another layer of intrigue, a pair of Gamecock golfers are competing for the International Team—playing against their college coach rather than for her.

“It's kind of bittersweet,” Anderson said. “But I’m really proud of them. Their games have gotten them here.”

Among them is Thailand’s Eila Galitsky, who traded playful barbs with Anderson before teeing off.

“She said good luck to me this morning, and I said, ‘I think you’ll need it more than me,’” Galitsky laughed. “But it’s all love.”

Galitsky is paired with Luke Poulter, son of former Ryder Cup star Ian Poulter. She said the experience is more celebratory than cutthroat.

“Honestly, we're having so much fun. It doesn’t even feel like a tournament,” Galitsky said. “We’re obviously trying to play our best, but we’re chatting and smiling. It’s just a cool experience.”

Wrapping up the first round of the Arnold Palmer Cup at Congaree Golf Club. Plenty of coverage from the collegiate Ryder Cup style event coming up on @WJCLNews from Ridgeland, South Carolina this week pic.twitter.com/NEm1jS02yk

— Pat Timlin (@pat_timlin) June 5, 2025

With the opening round in the books, more top-tier action is set for the coming days as the Arnold Palmer Cup continues at Congaree.

A new plug-in hybrid model may be built by Volvo Cars at its Ridgeland, South Carolina, plant as part of an efficiency move and to tap underutilized production capacity, CEO and President Håkan Samuelsson said on a call with analysts April 29.

The plans are part of the automaker’s strategy to protect profits and cut costs by 18 billion Swedish kronor ($1.8 billion) by 2026.

While Samuelsson recognized an opportunity to offset higher duties on vehicle imports through boosting domestic production, the automaker’s fast-moving cost-cutting plan already resulted in 125 job losses or a roughly 5% reduction of the Ridgeland plant’s workforce of 2,500, a spokesperson for Volvo said in an email to Automotive Dive.

Volvo did not specify tariffs as the primary driver behind its plan to cut expenses, but in a statement, Samuelsson said the actions would make the company stronger and more resilient.

“The automotive industry is in the middle of a very difficult period with challenges not seen before,” he said in the company’s Q1 earnings release. Samuelsson said turbulence in the marketplace prioritized the company’s need to improve cash flow and lower costs.

“While we still have a lot to do, our direction going forward is focused on three areas: profitability, electrification and regionalisation,” he said.

During the call with analysts, Samuelsson said to make better use of Ridgeland’s production capacity, building another vehicle at the plant was needed. The automaker currently builds the EX90, a fully electric SUV for the U.S., and European markets as well as the Polestar 3 EV SUV in South Carolina.

Volvo began producing the EX90 EV in Ridgeland last June but even as more of those vehicles are produced, Samuelsson said it still isn’t enough to meet the factory’s full capacity. The plant can manufacture up to 150,000 vehicles annually.

“So, we need another car, which we will bring in as soon as possible,” he said on the call. But added it won’t be an all-electric vehicle.

Though he did not specify a model, Samuelsson said “it has to be a more conventional plug-in hybrid in a very attractive and popular shape and form, so it can really bring up the volume.” Growing electrified vehicle sales is a priority for Volvo, which wants both EVs and plug-in hybrids to represent between 90% and 100% of its sales by 2030.

As production volume rises in Ridgeland, it could also lead to lower parts costs, as some components are shared between Volvo and Polestar. Volvo and Polestar are both owned by China-based automaker Zhejiang Geely Holding.

“I mean that’s a unique opportunity, very few carmakers can do,” Samuelsson said.

RIDGELAND, S.C. —

Some of the best collegiate men and women golfers in the world will be hitting the links in the Lowcountry later this week for the Arnold Palmer Cup at Congaree in a Ryder Cup-style competition.

Not only will there be some great golf to watch, but some great news for those who play golf.

It’s not often that you get to play free rounds of golf, but that is the case this week at Sergeant Jasper Golf Club in Ridgeland, South Carolina.

To celebrate the Arnold Palmer Cup at Congaree, thanks to Discover South Carolina and the Congaree Foundation, “A Week of Golf” will offer complimentary rounds of golf at Sergeant Jasper Golf Club to all golfers from now through June 8.

”They've partnered with us, provide the resources where we can make golf complimentary to anybody who wants to come play," said Ben Grandy, executive director of the Congaree Foundation. "It's always free for anybody under the age of 18, so it's really fun to just open it up to everybody to come enjoy and see a place that's been here for a long time. It's very special to the community.”

The Sergeant Jasper course has special meaning for Korn Ferry Tour player and former Hilton Head Christian and Clemson star Bryson Nimmer, who grew up playing the course.

“My dad grew up playing golf out here," Nimmer said. "I think it was the first place I ever swung a golf club. So I mean, it definitely hits very close to home for me. And I just saw my aunt in the parking lot. She comes out and still plays it once a week, twice a week. I mean, just really special what Congaree is doing out here, and we're just really grateful to be a part of it.”

Of course, all of this is to celebrate the 29^th Arnold Palmer Cup being played at Congaree Golf Club, which will take place June 5-7.