Government
The City of Laurinburg operates under a council-manager form of government, which is prescribed by its charter. Since its establishment, the council-manager form of government is the most popular form of government in the United States in communities with populations greater than 5,000.
The City Council is comprised of five council members and a mayor. The City is divided into two voting districts and there are two council members elected from each district and an at-large council member. The council members are elected on staggered four-year terms. The mayor is also elected for a four-year term.
The City Manager is the chief administrative officer of the City and is appointed by the City Council. The City Manager is responsible for implementing and enforcing policies and ordinances of the City Council, developing the City, overseeing day-to-day operations of the government, and hiring and managing department heads.
The role of municipal government in Laurinburg consists of the following:
- The City provides services including water and sewer systems, collection of solid waste and recycling, electric distribution, fiber optic connection, GIS (Geographic Information Service) and construction and maintenance of streets.
- The City also protects the individual and the public as a whole. Police and fire protection are provided, and the safety of the public and individuals is provided through ordinances, such as the Nuisance Ordinance, enacted by the City Council. Zoning and Land Use Ordinances protect the use and value of property in the City.
These services are funded through property taxes and fees for the services.