by Regional Council begins budget talks, today.
Chief financial officer Marie Walsh will introduce the draft budget in Sydney council chambers at 9:30, this morning.
It contains a proposed two per cent increase in the operating budget, with revenues expected to increase by the same amount.
The proposed capital budget includes $8.4 million for roads, plans for a new police building in east division and completion of renovations to the old Sydney Mines town hall for police in north division.
The budget also sets aside $6.67 million for a second cruise ship berth for Sydney harbour.
Council is also expected to discuss a recommendation to create a single commercial tax rate for the Sydney area.
The move would be revenue neutral and see the rate for areas with full services next to Sydney go up by 7.8 per cent.
The rate within Sydney would go down by 3.2 per cent.
Budget talks will continue tomorrow, if necessary.