City officials want to squash any rumors that Laurinburg plans to reduce the size of its police force.

Mayor Matthew Block seemed perplexed that some people have contacted the Laurinburg Exchange about plans to cut current police levels by as much as half.

"There is absolutely no truth to that," Block said. "I don't hire and fire police officers – that's a decision made by the city manager under the direction of city council."

Block reiterated past statements that any reductions would be piecemeal through the hiring freeze.

"As I have stated many times, I do not believe in firing or laying off people to reduce the size of the budget," Block said. "My policy has always been reducing the budget by attrition, by not filling positions as they become available."

The readers said they heard about the cuts at Mac's Anytime Breakfast in Laurinburg. City police officers and other law enforcement often dine at the restaurant.

But City Manager Ed Burchins said he is unsure what gave residents the idea that the city planned to layoff part of the 45 employees working at the police station.

"There is absolutely nothing to that," Burchins said. "Whoever is saying that or writing that is terribly misinformed and don't know what they're talking about."

Burchins said there is not even talk of cutting officers, adding that Block has nothing to do with staffing decisions.

"That's my job and that's my responsibility, unless the entire council tells me to do that," Burchins said.

He said the only action currently taken by council to reduce the work force is the hiring freeze.

"Every time we have an opening, we evaluate whether the position is needed or not."

Burchins said that since he came to Laurinburg as city manager, the city has actually added a new officer to the force through the Governor's Highway Safety Program.

Block said he is committed to having a force appropriate for Laurinburg.

"It is my job as mayor to help make sure that public safety and the police force are the right size for the city," Block said. "As the police force makes up the biggest part of the city budget, naturally we are always examining to see if the size of the police force is the right size for the city and the amount of crime we have."

Block said the city periodically compares its force with nearby municipal police forces.

"The last time we looked at it, the ratio of our police officers to citizens was less than that of surrounding communities," Block said.

Block said there was talk of consolidating the different police departments and the patrol duties of the sheriff's office under a Scotland County police commission, but that idea has not gotten off the ground.

The mayors of East Laurinburg, Gibson, Laurinburg and Wagram were to meet with County Commission Chairman J.D. Willis about the idea, but Wagram's mayor, Milton Farmer, had to be hospitalized when the talks were to have occurred and a meeting has not yet taken place, Block said.