Laurinburg, North Carolina Development News
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Development News from the latest meeting
City Council Approves 2026-2027 Budget, Sets Tax Rate, and Selects 150th Anniversary Tagline
The City Council approved the budget appropriations ordinances for the fiscal year 2026-2027. This includes the main budget covering general, electric, water, and sewer funds, and a separate budget for the downtown municipal service district. The main budget totals $47,212,326, with a property tax rate set at 38 cents. The budget utilizes fund balances across all four funds, with specific amounts appropriated for each. The council also addressed potential issues with the joint fueling facility, confirming the county's commitment to co-funding after initial uncertainty, and noted a 10% water and sewer rate increase effective August 1st. The downtown municipal service district budget is $95,000, based on increased revenue and a city match, though spending will be cautious due to ongoing tax appeals. The council also selected 'Celebrate Together' as the tagline for the city's 150th-anniversary marketing logo.
Resident Experiences Significant Delays and Confusion with New Emergency Number During Power Outage
A resident, Doris McLaughlin, reported significant issues with the new 910-291-1999 emergency number when she experienced a power outage. She was unable to get an immediate answer, was directed to the same number by 911, and was asked to provide a picture of the outage despite her phone being dead. She eventually resolved the power issue after multiple calls and assistance from a neighbor. The city manager later clarified that pictures can be helpful for faster resolution by identifying issues like downed trees or water main breaks, and that the number is primarily for after-hours calls, with city operations handling calls between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. He noted that they typically receive positive feedback on the new number and will investigate this specific incident.
City Council Denies Special Use Permit for Community Garden Amidst Neighbor Concerns
The City Council heard a continued public hearing for a special use permit to establish and maintain a community garden on a parcel of land located east of DeLuca Street, south of R. Graham Street, and north of West Allen Street. Neighbors expressed concerns regarding the impact on property values, enjoyment of surrounding properties, potential safety issues, and adherence to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Specifically, concerns were raised about the garden's size (4-5 acres), the inclusion of 'prayer parks' and 'raising honeybees' as ancillary uses not explicitly in the UDO for community gardens, and the lack of a buffer between the garden and adjacent residential properties. The applicant, Larry Everett, argued the garden would benefit the community and was a free resource. Mr. J.D. Willis, a neighbor, maintained his opposition, stating the garden would diminish enjoyment of adjacent properties and did not conform to the UDO. The council deliberated on the consistency of the community garden use with the comprehensive plan and the impact on the enjoyment of surrounding properties. Ultimately, the council voted to deny the special use permit.
City Approves Use of Parks and Facilities for Diverse Community Events
The City Council discussed and approved several applications for the use of city facilities, including shelters at Hammond Park and facilities at McDuffie Square, for various community events. These events include a gun violence awareness event, a back-to-school drive, a dance performance, a barbecue and music festival, a cultural festival (Kumbah Festival), a Relay for Life event, a back the blue bike ride, National Night Out, and an American Legion fundraiser. The council also approved the closure of Railroad Street for National Night Out. During the consent agenda approval, item E, related to the Youth Against Violence gun violence awareness event, was removed as it did not occur as scheduled.
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The Laurinburg News archive
City Council Meeting - July 21, 2026
City Council Meeting - July 21, 2026
City Council Regular Meeting (Reconvene June 16, 2026 Meeting) - Media
City Council Meeting - June 29, 2026
City Council Meeting - June 29, 2026
City Council Meeting - June 16, 2026
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