Laurinburg · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Laurinburg public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
Downtown revitalization and Brownfields plan
Terracon's Main Street Corridor Reuse Plan lays out five years of goals: cut storefront vacancies from 43% to 25%, add downtown housing and restaurants, and build a connector plaza from McDuffie Square to Main Street. Council will comment before the plan is finalized.
Water and sewer capital projects
The city is in the middle of a record-building spree on water and sewer systems — new wells, a McColl Road line replacement, tank renovations, sewer rehab, and pump stations — funded largely by about $31 million in state grants. More funding requests are coming in September.
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.
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.
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.