Discussions about consolidating city and county tax collections appears to be just talk, at least for now.

On Tuesday night, Laurinburg city council members expressed hesitation in adopting a tax collection consolidation plan.

Councilman Curtis Leak said the city should wait until a city manager is hired.

Mayor Matthew Block agreed, stating that he would like to see what the next city manager thinks of the proposal.

Dee Hammond, interim city manager, also told council that a request hadf been made to get fees waved for a private property up for sale.

Dennis Locklear “called and he is buying property at 602 Jackson Street,” Hammond said. “He wants to come before council to wave the [outstanding lot cutting fees].”

The property, which belongs to his current mother-in-law, has accumulated more than $1,500 in outstanding bills for lot cutting.

Hammond said the city was having difficulty in getting up with Locklear, who lives in Red Springs. She said he has not returned phone calls and the city did not have a current address.

Leak expressed his opposition to waving the fees, or removing any lien that may be on the property.

“We are going to get our money,” Leak said.

Councilwoman Amanda Faulk agreed, saying “I think its important to let people know we are serious about these debts.”

Council also discussed possibly replacing two board members whose terms are expiring.

Members expressed interest in keeping Sally Jones in her capacity on the planning and zoning board, but wanted to advertise for the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport appointment that is coming up.

Leak and Faulk both said the city needs strong representation on the airport commission, especially with the airport looking for funds for a $20 million proposed runway improvement.

“I think not putting someone with a strong sense of business and a strong loyalty to Laurinburg on the board is a detriment,” Faulk said.

Council members will meet Tuesday night for its June meeting.