Community groups are banding together in an effort to help Tenterfield Shire Council save money.
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The council is facing an annual budget shortfall of $3.8m and has already had to look at saving costs.
The cost of Bruxner Highway and Mt Lindesay Road, which the council has requested the state government take back ownership of, has put $1.2 million on their depreciation books.
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Some staff positions have not been replaced at the council, while there is also discussions about moving the tourism centre in with the School of Arts, as well as closing the library on Saturdays.
At an extraordinary meeting in February the council had to consider a recommendation to dramatically increase rates for the 2022-23 financial year, as well as 2023-24.
Instead an amendment from deputy mayor John Macnish to hold off for 2022-23, and ask its CEO for options for 2023-34, which will look at what council services are impacted by not getting the increased revenue, was unanimously supported.
Mayor Bronwyn Petrie said the council has started community consultions around the shire.
As well as longterm financial plans, the community's views are being sought on the council's 10-year strategic plan, its four-year delivery plan and one-year operational plan.
On Saturday, councillors and council staff will be at meetings in Urbenville, Legume and Liston so will not be able to attend the showground meeting.
But Cr Petrie said they would send information and were interested in the outcome.
Mr Robinson said the group of concerned ratepayers has formed a team to investigate alternative ways to keep the council solvent, which will be discussed at Saturday's meeting.
The groups involved include the business chamber Ten FM, Make It Tenterfield, and other concerned groups and individuals.
He said the plan is to put one submission to council suggesting savings.
"By drawing on the large pool of professional experience resident in the shire, including retired accountants, lawyers, business executives, civil engineers and project managers, it is proposed to harness this pool of expertise to investigate the current financial status of the council and hopefully identify possible alternative ways to help the council to repay its debts and re-establish a positive balance of payments."
The public meeting will be held at 4pm on Saturday, inside the shearing complex at Tenterfield Showground.
