The Laurinburg City council is determined to hold the tax rate steady for the upcoming budget year, based on early discussions this week about the 2013-14 budget.

Meeting to begin preliminary budget discussions this week, the city council agreed that they would prioritize holding firm current tax rates in upcoming budget discussions.

Sometimes referred to as the ad valorem tax, property tax is assessed annually against the value of real and personal property. It is usually expressed in terms of cents per $100 of property value. The current tax rate for Laurinburg is 40 cents per $100 valuation.

The city council also decided to ask department heads to hold their budget proposals at the same size as last year.

“With that said, we do not want to impede creativity or limit creative ideas,” said Laurinburg Mayor Tommy Parker. “(The city council) is going to listen to department heads … and if they have an idea that the council would consider a game changer, it will be looked at.”

Following last month’s citizen input session it was apparent to the city council that city beautification and downtown revitalization were priorities for locals. According to Parker, ideas related to those concerns will be especially considered.

Department heads are expected to meet with city council in early May to offer their budget proposals.

Parker said that he is optimistic about the city’s future and the 2013-14 financial year.

“I have a lot of confidence in our staff,” Parker said.

While an announcement has not yet been made, Parker also indicated that the search for a city manager may be winding down.

“I am not saying that a hire is imminent, but we are in the short rows,” Parker said.

Interim City Manager Harold Haywood is currently executing the duties of city manager. He was appointed to that position following the resignation of City Manager Ed Burchins late last year. Haywood served previously as general services and purchasing director for the city.