Less than 12 months out from the local government election and NSW councils surrounding the ACT are facing uncertain futures.
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The NSW government's Fit for the Future initiative was designed to provide reform to strengthen the future of local government however it's causing frustration in council ranks as the process draws out.
Councils were asked to submit cases to remain as stand-alone entities or merge with neighbour councils earlier this year.
The Queanbeyan City Council report opted to remain stand-alone, with a second option of providing "back-office services" to neighbouring Palerang, a decision made by many councils in the region.
An independent assessment of each submission by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal was handed to the government on Friday.
The IPART report is expected to contain information on which councils should merge and which are viable to remain stand-alone entities. Initially, forced mergers were ruled out, however just nine councils out of 152 have agreed to amalgamate.
Speculation has been mounting the 2016 September election could be pushed back six months to deal with the outcome of the IPART report.
However Minister for Local Government Paul Toole said the election was still scheduled for September 2016.
Queanbeyan mayor Tim Overall said while the election loomed, the determination from Fit for the Future "could change the entire landscape and influence the priorities".
He said following the release of the IPART report, slated to be made public by the end of October, he understood the council would have a chance to reconsider their position.
There was no indication if forced mergers were enacted whether those councils would receive the financial benefits promised to councils who agreed to amalgamate.
Palerang mayor Pete Harrison said the process and uncertainty caused by it has "made it more difficult for the current council to focus on perhaps more relevant local issues".
"No matter what anyone says about what conditions might apply after a change, one is never entirely certain until the dust settles," Cr Harrison said.
Cooma Monaro Shire Council mayor Dean Lynch slammed the process as stressful on staff and damaging to council and council relationships.
Member for Monaro John Barilaro said the report would provide clarity when made public.
"The report will make a determination as to [each council's] long-term viability," Mr Barilaro said.
