Some of those proposals are at odds with the thoughts of the councils themselves.

While there is a recommendation Corowa would merge with Urana, mayor Fred Longmire says there has been a long-term plan for his council to seek Albury as a partner should merger pressure be applied.

Greater Hume mayor Heather Wilton says a proposal for her council to partially merge with Albury would gut the shire and the council has other plans.

Urana mayor Pat Bourke says the NSW government advocating mergers is a ploy to reduce the number of councils but he wants to see evidence that councils will be better off.

The independent panel making the recommendations has told councils that inaction is not an option.

It’s not only the merger proposals that are upsetting councils — they have been told they must make any submissions in response to the report by March 7.

But with many not due to hold their first meeting of the year until next month, councils will struggle to meet that deadline.