The initial talks that could shape massive cuts to Moray Council’s budget will take place behind closed doors.
Councillors are due to meet on Monday to agree the details of a consultation about the financial plan for the authority.
It is understood the council faces a black hole in its budget of about £14million and is currently projected to run out of cash early in 2019.
Leader George Alexander has already warned that the contents are likely to be “unpalatable” for many residents.
It was understood community centres and libraries possibly faced the axe but the claims were later played down by senior councillors.
Last night, Mr Alexander stressed it was imperative that next week’s talks take place in private due to the details of specific jobs being discussed. He said: “The meeting is to get approval to put the paper out to consultation. It’s up to the council whether or not we do that.
“The posts of individuals are mentioned. I don’t want to cause unnecessary stress by having papers put in public for a week when it might not even be part of the consultation that’s agreed in the end.”
A statement on Moray Council’s website explains that the authority’s corporate and financial planning for next year will be held in private because it contains “information relating to staffing matters”.
Mr Alexander stressed the approved consultation would be made public “as soon as possible” after the meeting.
Residents across the region will be able to have their say on the proposals before the council’s final budget is agreed early next year.
Graham Leadbitter, co-leader of the council’s opposition SNP group, agrees it is sensible for the discussions to be held in private.
He said: “It’s a normal process, there is nothing strange about it.”