Laurinburg, NC

City Council

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding the Unified Development Ordinance and a rezoning request on Peden Street. The body is also considering a budget amendment for law enforcement bonuses and the disposal of vacant city-owned parcels.

• Rezoning of Parcel Nos. 01000604012 & 01000604013 on Peden Street from Residential-15 to Office/Institutional
• Resolution No. R-2026-23 to award Bridge Creek Demolition project to Lucas Construction of NC for $93,500.00
• Ordinance No. O-2026-21 to amend the FY 2026-2027 budget for Law Enforcement Officer's Bonus payments
• Public hearing to amend the City of Laurinburg Unified Development Ordinance
• Proposed public hearing on November 17, 2026, for a Special Use Permit for a sign at 308 N. Wilkinson Drive

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council will hold a public hearing on a Special Use Permit for a multi-family housing development on McGirt's Bridge Road, and consider several consent agenda items including setting public hearings for a rezoning on Peden Street and a development ordinance amendment. The council will also consider awarding contracts for sewer and pump station projects, a fueling facility improvement, and other resolutions and ordinances.

• Public hearing: Special Use Permit for multi-family housing on McGirt's Bridge Road (Parcel Nos. 01008001002 and 01008001002-01)
• Set public hearing for rezoning Parcel Nos. 01000604012 & 01000604013 from Residential-15 to Office/Institutional on Peden Street
• Consider bids and award contract for College Park Sewer Rehab-CIPP Project
• Consider bids and award contract for North Main Pump Station Renovation Project
• Consider Ordinance No. O-2026-20 to adopt revised Fee Schedule due to change in development fee requirements

The City Council unanimously denied a request by Southeastern Community Action Partnership (SCAP) to build a multifamily housing development on McGirts Bridge Road, citing insufficient evidence regarding traffic and stormwater. The Council also awarded two infrastructure contracts and approved an expansion of Downtown Social District hours.

• Denied Special Use Permit for multifamily housing on McGirts Bridge Road (unanimous)
• Awarded $1,695,982.80 College Park Sewer Rehab contract to Inliner Solutions, LLC (5-0)
• Awarded $659,000 North Main Pump Station Renovation contract to Step Construction, Inc. (unanimous)
• Approved one paid day off for employees participating in United Way Fair Share Program (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance O-2026-19 to extend Downtown Social District operating hours (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance O-2026-20 to adopt a revised Schedule of Fees (5-0)
• Approved Resolution R-2026-20 to sell surplus real property with Scotland County (5-0)
• Rejected all bids for the Fueling Facility Improvements project (5-0)

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council will hold a public hearing on a request to rezone a parcel on Dundee Drive from Residential-6 to Office/Institutional. The consent agenda includes setting a public hearing for a Special Use Permit for a multifamily housing development on McGirt's Bridge Road and adopting a resolution of findings for a denied community garden permit. The council will also consider adopting an amended purchasing policy that removes minority participation requirements, as required by state law, and discuss recycling and solid waste services.

• Public hearing on rezoning Parcel No. 01006708002 on Dundee Drive from Residential-6 to Office/Institutional
• Set public hearing for Special Use Permit for multifamily housing on McGirt's Bridge Road (Parcel Nos. 01008001002 and 01008001002-01)
• Resolution No. R-2026-15: Finding of Facts for denied community garden Special Use Permit on Deluca Street
• Resolution No. R-2026-16: Adopt amended Purchasing Policy removing minority participation requirements (per Session Law 2026-41)
• Application by Motivated4Greater Inc. to use McDuffie Square for 'Sunday on the Square' on May 16, 2027

The Laurinburg City Council approved rezoning a 13.9-acre property on Dundee Drive from Residential-6 to Office/Institutional to allow for future hospital development. The Council also adopted an amended purchasing policy removing minority participation requirements to comply with state law, approved a vendor financing agreement for police in-car cameras, and authorized facility use for McDuffie Square. Additionally, the Council set a public hearing for September 22, 2026, regarding a multifamily housing special use permit.

• Approved the agenda with amendments (unanimous)
• Approved the Consent Agenda including draft minutes, setting a September 22 public hearing for a multifamily housing Special Use Permit on McGirt's Bridge Road, and Resolution No. R-2026-15 (4-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. O-2026-18 rezoning Parcel No. 01006708002 on Dundee Drive from Residential-6 to Office/Institutional (4-0)
• Approved application by Motivated4Greater Inc. to use McDuffie Square for Sunday on the Square on May 16, 2027 (2-0, with 2 recusals)
• Approved Resolution No. R-2026-16 adopting the amended Purchasing Policy & Procedures Manual to remove minority participation requirements (4-0)
• Approved vendor financing agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for police in-car cameras via Sourcewell contract 1001223AXN (unanimous)
• Held closed session for economic development under NCGS 143-318.11(a)(4) and adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will discuss budget appropriations for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, including a specific ordinance for Downtown. The body will also hold a public hearing regarding a community garden special use permit and review several facility use applications.

• Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget Appropriations Ordinance and Downtown Budget Appropriations Ordinance
• Public hearing for a Special Use Permit for a Community Garden east of Deluca Street
• Proposed public hearing on August 11, 2026, to rezone Parcel No. 01006708002 on Dundee Drive from Residential-6 to Office/Institutional
• Authorization for the Mayor to execute the Order to Collect Property Taxes
• Closure of Railroad Street from Gill Street to Main Street for National Night Out on August 4, 2026

The Laurinburg City Council denied a Special Use Permit for a community garden on Parcel No. 01004202025, located east of Deluca Street, south of R. Graham Street, and north of West Allen Street, after a public hearing. The council also approved the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget Appropriations Ordinances for the General, Electric, Water and Sewer, and Solid Waste Funds, and for the Downtown Fund. Additionally, the council approved a five-year contract extension and 3% salary increase for the City Manager, and approved the tagline 'Celebrate Together' for the 150th Celebration logo.

• Denied Special Use Permit for community garden at Parcel No. 01004202025 (unanimous)
• Approved FY 2026-2027 Budget Appropriations Ordinance (O-2026-15) (unanimous)
• Approved FY 2026-2027 Budget Appropriations Ordinance for Downtown (O-2026-16) (unanimous)
• Approved City Manager contract extension by 5 years and 3% salary increase (unanimous)
• Approved tagline 'Celebrate Together' for 150th Celebration logo (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda with deletion of Item (e) (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council approved Resolution R-2026-14, an interim budget appropriation to fund operations until the full FY 2026-2027 budget is adopted, due to pending state legislation (Senate Bill 474) and a new property tax moratorium (Senate Bill 889). The interim budget covers only operating expenses and salaries, excludes capital projects, and defers the 3% cost-of-living adjustment until the full budget is passed. The Council also approved Ordinance O-2026-17, transferring $300,000 from the Fiber Department to the Electric Production Department to cover higher wholesale power costs.

• Approved Resolution R-2026-14 for interim appropriations until the FY 2026-2027 budget is adopted (unanimous).
• Approved Ordinance O-2026-17 to transfer $300,000 from Fiber to Electric Production for wholesale power purchases (unanimous).
• Postponed closed session on City Manager's salary pending Council feedback and Mayor's review.
• Adjourned the meeting at 5:29 p.m.

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council will hold a public hearing and consider adopting the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget, including a new fee schedule, a five-year Capital Improvement Plan, and ten-year Water & Wastewater plans. Consent agenda items include a budget amendment for current fiscal year allocations, approval of a street and equipment project at Hillside Cemetery, and a site plan for East Laurinburg Church. A public hearing is also scheduled for a special use permit to establish a community garden near Deluca Street.

• Public hearing and adoption of FY 2026-2027 Budget, fee schedule, and Capital Improvement Plans (5-year and 10-year for Water & Wastewater)
• Special Use Permit request for a Community Garden on parcel east of Deluca Street, south of R. Graham Street, north of West Allen Street
• Ordinance O-2026-13 to reallocate General Fund Non-Departmental budget to other departmental budgets within the General Fund
• Ordinance O-2026-14 to transfer funds from General Fund to capital project fund for Hillside Cemetery road construction and equipment shed
• Consideration of auditing services contract for FY ending June 30, 2026, and mayoral appointments to the Laurinburg Housing Authority Board

The Council approved releasing three airport land tracts to the Southeastern Regional Airport Authority (SERAA), entered a management agreement with SERAA, and passed a resolution supporting SERAA's sole sponsorship of the airport. The public hearing for a community garden special use permit was postponed to July 2026. The Council also adopted the FY 2026-2027 fee schedule and capital improvement plans, and set a 38-cent tax rate as the basis for the upcoming budget ordinance.

• Approved release of three airport land tracts to SERAA (unanimous)
• Approved management agreement between City and SERAA (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution R-2026-12 supporting SERAA sole sponsorship (unanimous)
• Postponed community garden special use permit hearing to July 2026 (4-0, Rainer recused)
• Adopted FY 2026-2027 Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2026 (unanimous)
• Adopted 5-year Capital Improvement Plan 2027-2031 (unanimous)
• Adopted 10-year Water & Wastewater Capital Improvement Plan (unanimous)
• Approved $50,470 auditing services contract with Roche, Head & Associates (unanimous)

General

The Laurinburg City Council holds a special meeting to discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget and a draft 5-year Capital Improvement Plan. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the agenda is limited to presentations and council discussion.

• Presentation of the Draft 5-year Capital Improvement Plan
• Presentation of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Proposed Budget

The City Council held a special meeting to review the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget and the draft 5-year Capital Improvement Plan. No formal votes or decisions were made; the budget will be presented for approval in June. The proposed budget totals $47,346,302 and includes a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for employees, a 10% water and sewer rate increase, and no property tax rate increase.

• No formal decisions made; budget and CIP presentations only
• Proposed budget totals $47,346,302, based on 40-cent tax rate
• 10% water and sewer rate increase planned, fourth year of five-year plan
• No electric rate increase proposed
• Solid waste fees remain flat, with $287,000 fund balance appropriation
• Budget includes $535,000 General Fund balance appropriation
• Draft 5-year CIP presented, totaling approximately $60 million
• Budget to be emailed to Council in late May, adopted in June

City Council

The City Council will consider several ordinances to transfer and increase funds for the Police, IT, Electric, and Fire departments. The body is also deciding on a construction contract for the 127 Main Street Restoration Project and scheduling a public hearing for the FY 2026-2027 Proposed Budget.

• Public hearing for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Proposed Budget set for June 16, 2026
• Public hearing for Special Use Permit for Parcel No. 01004202025 set for June 16, 2026
• Ordinance O-2026-12 to transfer $250,000.00 for the Bridge Creek Basin/S. Main Street Gravity Sewer Replacement Project
• Award of contract for the 127 Main Street Restoration Construction Project
• Ordinances to amend FY 2025-2026 budget for Fire Department wages and electric power purchases

The Laurinburg City Council approved the consent agenda, including several budget amendments and facility use permits, and awarded a $669,979 construction contract to Critical Past Solutions, LLC for the 127 Main Street Restoration Project. The council also reappointed James Thomas to the Planning Board and approved a facility use request for a gospel event with two members recusing due to conflicts of interest. A closed session on economic development was held, but no decisions were made in open session afterward.

• Approved consent agenda including budget amendments O-2026-08 through O-2026-12 and facility use permits (5-0)
• Awarded 127 Main Street Restoration contract to Critical Past Solutions, LLC for $669,979 (unanimous)
• Approved McDuffie Square use by Motivated4Greater Inc. for gospel event on July 19, 2026 (3-0, with two recusals)
• Reappointed James Thomas to Planning Board for three-year term expiring June 30, 2029 (unanimous)
• Entered closed session for economic development at 6:17 p.m. and returned at 6:44 p.m. (unanimous)

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget. The agenda includes a call to order, budget discussion, comments from the mayor and councilmembers, and adjournment. No specific budget details are provided in the agenda.

• Discussion of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget

The City Council held a special meeting to discuss the FY 2026-2027 budget, focusing on a proposed 38% health insurance renewal with Blue Cross Blue Shield and a 3% COLA. No formal votes were taken; the City Manager will present a balanced budget by June 1, 2026, with further discussion scheduled for May 19, 2026.

• No formal decisions made; budget discussion only
• Health insurance renewal discussed at 38% increase (no vote)
• 3% COLA discussed as part of budget (no vote)
• Solid waste truck purchases ($700,000) discussed (no vote)

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council will meet on April 21, 2026, to decide on a special use permit for multifamily duplex units on Dundee Drive, approve budget amendments, and award contracts for the Aberdeen Road Pump Station Renovation and McColl Road Water Line Replacement. The council will also hold a public hearing on zoning changes for substance abuse treatment centers and consider naming a bridge after a former police chief.

• Consider Resolution No. R-2026-07 for special use permit for duplex units on Dundee Drive
• Approve Ordinance No. O-2026-07 to amend FY 2025-2026 budget for Consumer Billing Department
• Award contract for Aberdeen Road Pump Station Renovation Project
• Award contract for McColl Road Water Line Replacement — Phase II Project
• Consider Ordinance No. O-2026-06 amending zoning for substance abuse treatment centers

The City Council approved contracts for the Aberdeen Road Pump Station and McColl Road water line projects. They also authorized a naming rights agreement for the McDuffie Square stage and approved a zoning text amendment regarding substance abuse treatment facilities. Additionally, the Council declared several city-owned properties as surplus to facilitate their auction and return to private ownership.

• Awarded $683,000 Aberdeen Road Pump Station contract to Step Construction, Inc. (5-0)
• Awarded $648,046.39 McColl Road water line contract to Burnette Enterprises (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance O-2026-06 for substance abuse treatment zoning (5-0)
• Approved naming rights agreement for McDuffie Square stage with Scotland Health (5-0)
• Approved Resolution R-2026-11 to auction surplus real property (5-0)
• Approved Resolution R-2026-10 to rename a bridge for Robert Lee Malloy (5-0)
• Approved downtown logo for the McKay Street Water Tank (5-0)
• Added May 19, 2026, budget meeting to the calendar (5-0)

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council will hold a public hearing on a special use permit for a property on Dundee Drive and consider amendments to electric rate schedules. The consent agenda includes setting a public hearing on a substance abuse treatment center ordinance amendment, a rezoning request for 18200 Wagram Road, and several resolutions. The council will also consider awarding bids for water infrastructure projects and discuss the July 4 fireworks display.

• Public hearing on Special Use Permit for Parcel No. 01006707001 on Dundee Drive
• Amendments to Electric Rate schedules
• Rezoning 18200 Wagram Road from Residential-20MH to General Business
• Resolution R-2026-05 awarding bid for Raw Water Lines-Phase II Project
• Resolution R-2026-06 awarding bid for McKay Street Tank Rehabilitation Project

The Laurinburg City Council approved a 4.5% electric rate increase (Ordinance O-2026-05) effective April 1, 2026, to offset higher wholesale power costs, with a 4-1 vote (Rainer opposed). The Council also unanimously approved a special use permit for a 14-unit multifamily development on Dundee Drive, despite opposition from a nearby resident. Several infrastructure contracts were awarded, including a $1.34 million raw water line project and a $491,700 tank rehabilitation, both funded by state appropriations.

• Approved electric rate increase Ordinance O-2026-05 (4-1, Rainer opposed)
• Approved special use permit for 14-unit multifamily project on Dundee Drive (unanimous)
• Awarded $1,338,485 bid for Raw Water Lines-Phase II to North American Construction (unanimous)
• Awarded $491,700 bid for McKay Street Tank Rehabilitation to Utility Services Company (unanimous)
• Approved contract amendment for Raw Water Wells Phase II, increasing contract to $1,622,223 (unanimous)
• Approved $20,097 cost for July 4, 2026 fireworks display (unanimous)
• Appointed Sesquicentennial Committee and authorized adding members (unanimous)
• Set budget meeting for April 21, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. (unanimous)

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council is meeting to consider a rezoning request for 18200 Wagram Road from Residential-20MH to General Business, along with several consent agenda items including a special use permit public hearing, budget amendments, and a site plan approval. The agenda also includes reports on an airshow, a funding request, tax matters, a bridge naming resolution, and a discussion on electric rates.

• Rezoning request for 18200 Wagram Road (Parcel No. 0203060100704) from Residential-20MH to General Business
• Public hearing set for March 17, 2026, for Special Use Permit on Dundee Drive (Parcel No. 01006707001)
• Ordinance O-2026-03 to amend FY 2025-2026 budget for economic development grant
• Resolution R-2026-02 to request naming a bridge for former Police Chief Robert Lee Malloy
• Discussion of NC Eastern Municipal Power Agency wholesale rate change impact on electric rates

The Council denied a request to rezone 18200 Wagram Road from Residential-20MH to General Business, citing inconsistency with the comprehensive plan and lack of infrastructure. The vote was unanimous (5-0). The Council also approved the consent agenda, including a site plan for Circle K, and set a public hearing for a potential 4.5% electric rate increase.

• Denied rezoning of 18200 Wagram Road to General Business (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including Circle K site plan and budget amendment (5-0)
• Set public hearing for March 17, 2026 on electric rate increase (5-0)
• Approved tax releases, discoveries, and adjustments (5-0)
• Authorized advertising tax liens week of March 9-13, 2026 (5-0)
• Approved Resolution R-2026-02 to name bridge for former Police Chief Robert Lee Malloy (5-0)

General

The Laurinburg City Council will hold a special meeting to begin early discussions on the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget priorities. The meeting will include public comments and remarks from the mayor and councilmembers.

The City Council held its annual special meeting to begin the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget process. No formal decisions were made; the meeting consisted of a budget overview presentation by the City Manager and discussion of property tax rates, electric and water/sewer rates, and potential future adjustments. No public input was provided.

• No formal decisions made; meeting was informational only
• Adjourned meeting unanimously (5-0)

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council will consider several routine items, including approving minutes, setting a public hearing for a rezoning request, and amending the budget for rescue grant funding and school resource officers. They will also hear the FY 2024-2025 audit results and discuss a sewer rehab project bid.

• Public hearing set for Feb 17, 2026, to rezone 18200 Wagram Road from Residential-20MH to General Business
• Ordinance O-2026-01 to appropriate Rescue Grant funding and city match
• Ordinance O-2026-02 to reduce revenue for School Resource Officers for Scotland County Schools
• Resolution R-2026-01 awarding bid for Bridge Creek & College Park Sewer Rehab-Point Repairs Project
• Discussion of Sesquicentennial Celebration planning for February 2027

The Laurinburg City Council approved a consent agenda that included two budget amendments and set a February 17, 2026 public hearing on rezoning 18200 Wagram Road. The council awarded a $2,391,826 contract to Richard D. Suggs Construction, Inc. for the first phase of the Bridge Creek & College Park Sewer Rehab-Point Repairs Project, funded by $8.9 million in state appropriations. Council also approved a February 17 Citizen Input Session and Budget Retreat, and heard the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 audit results. The meeting ended with a closed session on economic development.

• Approved consent agenda including minutes, surplus property report, ARPA internal controls policy, and two budget amendments (5-0)
• Awarded $2,391,826 bid to Richard D. Suggs Construction, Inc. for Bridge Creek & College Park Sewer Rehab-Point Repairs Project Phase 1 (5-0)
• Set public hearing for Feb 17, 2026 on rezoning 18200 Wagram Road from Residential-20MH to General Business
• Approved Citizen Input Session and Budget Retreat for Feb 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance O-2026-01 amending FY2025-2026 budget for Rescue Grant funding and city match
• Approved Ordinance O-2026-02 amending FY2025-2026 budget to reduce School Resource Officers revenue for Scotland County Schools
• Entered closed session on economic development at 6:34 p.m. (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:44 p.m. (unanimous)