By Diane Mezzanotte, Wednesday, June 23, 2026 At last night’s in-person Laurel City Council meeting, Council President Brencis Smith told the audience, “A lot of passion has been going on. Please don’t mistake that for dysfunction.” It was a good segue to what followed, as Mayor Keith Sydnor found himself once again explaining his perspective on two proposed programs that yielded questions, concerns, and a divided vote from the council. Selbourne House Rental Assistance Propo

IN A NUTSHELL: The Laurel City Council passed an amended version of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, 3–2 with no abstentions, but Mayor Keith Sydnor non-concurred and reserved the right to veto. At issue was one line item that would fund a $1 million housing assistance program administered by local non-profit group LARS. Council members voiced support for the intent of the program but felt that the line item was not introduced properly, and thus adopted an amended budget that re

(Photo: Richard Friend) The city elections in 2023 became an embarrassing mess for Laurel when accusations against former Mayor Craig Moe were levied by some candidates who alleged the city interfered with their campaigns based on antagonistic relationships with the former mayor. Some of the issues cited against the candidates concerned the timing of campaign signs being placed around town and their removal. That episode prompted a comprehensive review and edit of election re