Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Laurinburg public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
3 issues in public safety
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.
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.
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.