LAURINBURG — The Laurinburg City Council will hold public hearing tonight on its proposed budget for next year.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

The proposed $32.2 million budget recommends keeping the city’s tax rate at 40 cents per $100 valuation. That is expected to provide the city $3.15 million in revenue for the upcoming year, officials said.

There are also no proposed increases in the current basic electric rate or the water or sewer rates.

The proposal also recommends that city employees get a two percent cost of living adjustment, but council voted last week to up that increase to 2.5 percent.

In other business, council will consider setting a public hearing for July 19 at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers to consider a request for a conditional use permit for a ground mounted solar array at US 15-401/501 Bypass.

Council members will also be presented with the 2016-2017 proposed budget from the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport Commission.

In a related matter, council will also consider a resolution on the sale of 10.66 acres at the Laurinburg-Maxton Airbase to Scotland County Economic Development Corporation.

City Manager Charles Nichols will also ask council to consider awarding contract to Parker, Wagoner & Roche to audit the city’s Fiscal year 2015-2016 records and authorize the mayor to execute contract.

Nichols is also expected to provide an update on the city’s alcohol and substance abuse policy and certification policy.

At tonight’s meeting, city council will also consider closing of a portion of an alley, beginning on West Covington Street and running parallel to Prince Street.

In other business, council will consider appointing William Tyson to the Beautification Committee. Also expected to be reappointed to that committee are Sandy Skamperle, Lynne Mabry, Cory Hughes, Terri Gallman and Fred Fox.

The city will also consider Kathy Williamson to serve on the Planning Board and Ella Morris to serve on the Laurinburg-Airport Commission.

Charles Nichols
https://www.laurinburgexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_NicholsPRINT-1.jpgCharles Nichols

Scott Witten

[email protected]

Reach Scott Witten at 910-506-3023