Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Laurinburg public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues with low priority
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 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.
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The state repealed Historically Underutilized Business requirements in its July budget, so the city had to scrub them from its purchasing policy to stay compliant.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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.