“I received an email from [Uralla Shire Mayor] Michael Pearce that Uralla is to remain independent and strong and will not be engaging in any potential merger discussions,” Cr Beyersdorf said on Monday.

“This is unfortunate and regrettable.”

Cr Beyersdorf has also reached out to Walcha and Guyra shire councils but is yet to receive a formal response.

The mayor said “we don’t have a choice” in amalgamation.

“There are times you should realise the writing is on the wall and you should go with the soft road,” Cr Beyersdorf said. 

On Monday, Armidale Dumaresq councillors decided to hold an extraordinary meeting on November 9 to detail any results of discussions. 

Council has to make a final submission to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal by November 18. 

Last week the tribunal published  its report into local councils and found Armidale Dumaresq, Guyra, Uralla and Walcha shire councils all unfit to stand alone. 

Councillor Laurie Bishop raised the question of public consultation on amalgamation with other councils during Questions on Notice. 

“When are we going to have an opportunity to go to the community?” he said. 

 General Manager Glenn Wilcox said neighbouring councils refused to consent to an early merger with Armidale Dumaresq.

“[With] no one to deal with, then we probably can’t go any further,” Mr Wilcox said.

“Any merger would be forced.”

Cr Beyersdorf said Council would try to keep ratepayers informed of developments regarding amalgamations and issue a  formal statement when needed.

“My current feeling is I think any really meaningful public consultation would be difficult to achieve,” he said. 

“We should do more in informing the public in the choices, and produce a formal statement saying these are the likely scenarios.”