The two councils are proposing to share a general manager to achieve savings in the wake of the collapse of the New England Strategic Alliance of Councils.

Walcha and Uralla pulled out of the alliance – originally established five years ago – earlier this year.

All four councils have now been asked to demonstrate how they can achieve the level of savings that used to be delivered under the alliance.

Armidale Dumaresq Council and Guyra Shire Council both held extraordinary meetings last week to discuss a detailed proposal.

This has been sent to the Department of Local

Government.

A key part of the plan is the proposed shift from two general managers to one.

Guyra’s general manager is David Cushway.

Armidale’s management team is headed by Shane Burns.

The proposal also calls for the two executive teams to be merged.

Armidale mayor Peter Ducat said the councils plan to work together on the issue.

Guyra general manager, David Cushway, said the proposal had received in-principle support from both of the councils.

“When we get it (a response from the department) back, we’ll consider the advice ... and we can make a decision to move forward,” he said.

Three councillors from each council and an independent consultant will make up the board that will determine how the general manager will be selected.

It is not known at this stage whether the position will be filled internally or thrown open to outside applicants.

The composition of the joint committee is also yet to be decided.

Mr Cushway said he would apply for the new post.

He also expects Mr Burns will apply.

Mr Burns could not be contacted for comment yesterday.

Cr Ducat said bringing the two councils together under one general manager would deliver significant savings.

“We don’t want to be rushing into this,” he said.

“We want to take time and do it properly.”