Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Laurinburg public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
47 issues
Bridge Creek demolition
The old Bridge Creek structure will be torn down by Lucas Construction for $93,500, covered entirely by state ARPA funds.
Downtown revitalization and Brownfields plan
Downtown businesses asked for longer social district hours, and the council extended them an hour on weekends and to 10 p.m. on weekdays.
Peden Street duplex rezoning
Two residential lots on Peden Street can now host duplexes after the rezone to Office/Institutional. A neighbor objected at the planning board stage, noting a duplex already sits next door (grandfathered).
Zoning appeals consolidated under City Council
The rarely-used Board of Adjustment is gone; the council itself now hears variances and zoning appeals, wearing a second quasi-judicial hat. An ETJ member appointed by county commissioners will sit with them.
Potential electric rate impacts from NCEMPA wholesale rate change
Wholesale electricity costs jumped this year, and the city is moving $300,000 in unused fiber money to cover the power bill so the audit doesn't flag another overage.
Disposal of vacant city-owned parcels
Multiple residents complained the city isn't maintaining lots it owns — overgrown lots with trees falling on neighbors' homes, and a refusal to sell to a willing buyer. Council acknowledged many properties come from tax foreclosures.
Speed bumps request on Midland Way
Midland Way residents petitioned for speed bumps, saying cut-through drivers hit 55+ mph on a street full of children and pedestrians. Staff were advised to call 911 on speeders, which residents called a waste of resources.
Downtown Social District hours
Downtown businesses asked for longer social district hours, and the council extended them an hour on weekends and to 10 p.m. on weekdays.
Tree removal compensation claim (U.S. 401/Montclair)
Cynthia Johnson says the city cut down a 50-foot stretch of her tree buffer for a water project without the state-required 15-day written notice, exposing her home to highway noise. She's demanding compensation under constitutional takings law.
Recycling and solid waste finances
The city charges $35 a month for solid waste but services actually cost about $41 per household, with recycling running a big deficit — only $3,000 in rebates last year. The city's recycling buyer is closing, and council agreed to hire a consultant to study options including rate increases or contracting out.
Water and sewer capital projects
The city is chasing state money for a ~$9 million sewer rehab of its historic core, where most sewer lines are over 40 years old, plus $9.9 million in water treatment plant work. Contracts were also awarded for the College Park sewer lining and North Main pump station.
55-unit multifamily housing behind Johnson School
SCAP wanted a special use permit for a four-phase, 55-unit development (10 affordable, 45 market-rate) on 11.4 acres behind the old I. Ellijah Johnson School. Neighbors packed the hearing to testify about flooding, crime, traffic and property values, and the council unanimously denied the permit.
2026 Sky High Aerospace Expo
The second annual airshow lands the weekend of October 17, with organizers hoping to double last year's 4,000 attendance, adding a night show, a bigger STEM day for students, and free public events Friday night and Sunday morning.
City vs. County water system friction
The city manager set the record straight after last week's county commissioners meeting: the county owns and runs its own water system and sets its own rates; the city just sells, bills, and repairs under an interlocal agreement. He also disputed claims that last-minute information caused the county to pull the joint fueling facility from its budget.
McGirt's Bridge Road multifamily special use permit
The council set a September 22 public hearing for a multifamily housing development on McGirt's Bridge Road. The city attorney warned this will be a quasi-judicial hearing where the council acts as judges, and urged proponents and opponents to be well-versed in the UDO and consider legal counsel.
Three sidewalk projects
Long-awaited sidewalks along Atkinson Street, West Boulevard, and Main Street may finally happen, with the feds paying 80 percent. But the plans could require cutting beloved oak trees on Atkinson and West Boulevard, and council members are urging residents to review the plans.
Purchasing policy and minority participation requirements
The state repealed Historically Underutilized Business requirements in its July budget, so the city had to scrub them from its purchasing policy to stay compliant. Officials stressed that minority- and women-owned businesses remain eligible to bid — only the outreach mandate is gone.
Special Use Permit request on Dundee Drive
Council scheduled an August 11 public hearing to rezone a Dundee Drive parcel from Residential-6 to Office/Institutional — a step that would allow office or institutional uses next to a residential neighborhood.
After-Hours Utility Reporting Line Complaint
A resident told the council she couldn't reach the city's after-hours utility number during a power outage and found the photo requirement confusing. Staff explained the pictures help crews respond faster and promised to look into her complaint.
City Manager's Salary
Council extended City Manager Charles Nichols' contract five years beyond its 2028 expiration with the same 3% cost-of-living adjustment employees received — a vote of confidence in the city's top administrator after a turbulent budget year.
Community Garden Special Use Permit
Neighbors on West Allen Lane oppose a 6-acre church community garden abutting their backyards, citing privacy and property values. Both sides will try to hash out a compromise before the July hearing, and appraiser evidence may be needed.
FY 2026-2027 City Budget
The $47.3 million proposed budget keeps a 40-cent tax rate, funds a 3% employee raise, and relies on a 10% water/sewer rate increase. Raleigh legislation could force the city back to old property values or cap future increases via a November referendum, so the budget vote was pushed to June 29.
Proposed career training center for Scotland County
Dr. Charles Jones asked the council to partner on launching the county's first career training center, offering six-month programs to skill up graduates, the unemployed, and underemployed workers for in-demand craft trades.
Downtown municipal service district rate
Council discussed keeping the 21-cent downtown special tax, which with new values could generate roughly $37,000 matched by the city — about $70,000+ for downtown improvements.
Police department staffing and budget cuts
The worst-case budget scenario would leave only five funded vacant police positions instead of nine, and cut three vehicle replacements. Council debated whether to trade these cuts for a lower tax rate.
Southeastern Regional Airport Authority Sponsorship
Three industrial prospects totaling about 226 acres hinge on the city releasing airport land and fixing the FAA sponsorship question. The authority pays all local grant matches, yet the city carries liability as co-owner.
Hillside Cemetery Improvements
Ordinance O-2026-14 would fund a road at Hillside Cemetery and a cemetery equipment shed, with completion expected next fiscal year.
Bridge Creek & College Park Sewer Rehabilitation
The council moved $250,000 into the water/sewer capital fund to keep the gravity sewer replacement project on South Main Street moving.
Special use permit hearing on Parcel No. 01004202025
A special use permit request for land near Deluca, R. Graham, and West Allen Streets gets a public hearing on June 16 — neighbors will have a chance to comment.
127 Main Street restoration project
The city's old bank building downtown is getting a $669,979 makeover using $1.1 million in grant money. Work must finish by late November so the city can be reimbursed, and the brewing company leasing it takes ownership next year.
FY 2026-27 Budget Input and Retreat
A public hearing is set for June 16, 2026, at 6 p.m. so residents can weigh in on next year's city budget before adoption.
Consumer Billing Department Budget Amendment
Ordinance O-2026-07 would add funding to the Consumer Billing Department, the office that handles utility bills.
McDuffie Square Stage Naming Rights
Scotland Memorial Hospital was in line to sponsor and name the McDuffie Square stage — a deal that could bring sponsorship money to the downtown gathering space.
Substance Abuse Treatment Center Zoning Amendment
The city will hold an April 21 hearing on changing Section 7.47.2 of the Unified Development Ordinance, which governs substance abuse treatment centers/offices.
Aberdeen Road Pump Station Renovation
The city was set to award a contract to renovate the Aberdeen Road pump station, a piece of sewer infrastructure residents rely on daily.
McColl Road Water Line Replacement Phase II
The city was set to award a bid for Phase II of its raw water lines project, part of ongoing investment in the water supply system.
Wagram Road rezoning request
A request to rezone 18200 Wagram Road from Residential-20MH to General Business gets its public hearing on February 17, 2026.
McKay Street Tank Rehabilitation Project
A bid award was on the agenda to rehabilitate the McKay Street water tank — maintenance of the city's water storage capacity.
Circle K store site plan
The council was set to consider approving the site plan for a new Circle K store, a step toward bringing the convenience store project to construction.
Economic development grant payment
Ordinance O-2026-03 would amend the current-year budget to pay a scheduled economic development grant — a direct use of city funds to support local economic development commitments.
Humane Society funding request
The Scotland County Humane Society is asking the city for funding in Fiscal Year 2026-2027, a request that affects animal welfare services and next year's budget.
Bridge naming for former Police Chief Robert Lee Malloy
Resolution R-2026-02 would request that a bridge be named in honor of former Police Chief Robert Lee Malloy, a memorial honoring his service to the city.
Sesquicentennial Celebration Planning
Laurinburg turns 150 in February 2027, and a planning committee is forming to organize the celebration. Residents can still get involved, and funding will be worked into the upcoming budget.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Laurinburg’s fire chief and the city are being sued over a deadly 2022 fire truck crash. That means a settlement or court judgment could land on local taxpayers.
Charter Dissolution
East Laurinburg’s mayor is pushing back on a state move to dissolve the town’s charter, saying it amounts to punishment. If it goes through, the town could stop existing as a municipality, and residents could see big changes in who runs local services and represents them.
Municipal Charter Revocation
East Laurinburg is facing a state recommendation that could dissolve its town government by revoking its charter. If that happens, local services and decisions would likely shift to the county, so residents need to watch who ends up running things.
Crime Perception Debate
Laurinburg is having a real argument about whether its 'dangerous' reputation is earned or overblown. The stakes aren't just pride—officials and residents say the label can scare off jobs and growth. So the fight is really about crime facts versus the story a city tells about itself.