A board set up to consider the future shape of Highland Council has recommended that the authority shifts to a more “business-like” commercial approach.
A new “commercial board” could be created to raise income for the council and support jobs.
The redesign board also suggested a “significant” shift to a more localised style of governance.
This would mean more council decisions being agreed locally and more power to local committees, rather than larger strategic bodies.
Another recommendation would mean the creation of a “community gateway” to allow local groups involvement in the decision-making process.
The board met earlier this week to finalise their recommendations before the full council next week.
This will be the final meeting of the council before May’s elections and if the recommendations are agreed they will be taken forward and put before councillors again after the poll.
Redesign board chairwoman, Councillor Isobel McCallum said: “I would like to give my thanks to staff and members for their participation in the extensive redesign work which has been carried out to date.
“Their experience and views are central to a successful redesign process.
“Our vision for the future of the council is for decisions to be made more locally with the involvement of communities and we have responded to communities with our recommendations for a community gateway.”
It has been proposed that chief executive Steve Barron should make restructuring proposals to the new council to support the recommended governance arrangements.
The redesign board has been made up of 16 elected councillors and two trade union representatives.
The board has also recommended allocating money to allow officers to continue to work on the redesign during the election period.
By the end of March it is expected to have cost £107,000 in staff time and external consultancy fees.
A total of £150,000 has been allocated to the project.
Redesign board vice-chairman Councillor Bill Lobban said: “We have been innovative in our desire to create a commercial board, which can provide a positive vision for the council and maximise the opportunities that this approach can bring to the council into the future.”
