Dumfries and Galloway Council will set its budget for the financial year 2021-22 today.
Top priorities will be to set council tax levels and agree spending across key services.
The Labour/SNP administration proposes freezing council tax across all bands at current levels.
Other key proposals include zero cuts to jobs and local service and 120 more job placements in social care and other sectors.
Council leader Elaine Murray said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated the value of the services our council provides and the workforce which provides them.
“Our proposals will lay a foundation for our region’s Covid recovery by protecting teacher numbers, local jobs and vital local services, allocating over £1million in support to the local economy, ensuring work starts on Phase 2 of Dumfries Learning Town and by freezing council tax.”
She added: “The road ahead remains uncertain.
“The impact of leaving the EU has also caused uncertainty for local businesses and trade with our council still determining the impact of regulatory changes.
“Our budget proposals will ensure we remain flexible to support opportunities for our region and respond to challenges by allocating £650k to continue our Response, Renewal and Recovery Team.”
Depute council leader Rob Davidson said: “Our administration’s budget proposals provide clear leadership in uncertain times.
“They take forward our priorities to grow the local economy, protect our most vulnerable people and ensure the best start in life for our young people.
“We will be an inclusive council and urgently respond to the climate emergency by ensuring tackling climate change is at the heart of everything our council does.”
The Conservative opposition group on the council have lodged alternative budget proposals.
Group leader Ian Carruthers said: “The main difference between the two budgets is roads repairs and maintenance.
“The administration is proposing £800,000 per year for three years but we’re being serious about the job and want to invest £3.6 million in the roads.
“That’s what the public in Dumfries and Galloway are crying out for.
“The reaction from members of the public tells us roads are the highest priority – £800,000 a year is laughable.”
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