That was the tone of Tuesday night’s Fit For the Future forum at Town Hall.

But community members weren’t the only ones feeling the pressure, with Cr Walker saying it was a really big decision councillors weren’t taking lightly.

Following the general manager’s presentation and Q & A session with the crowd, councillors were called up to give their opinion, as was Boorowa mayor Wendy Tuckerman.

Cr John McGregor wasn’t a fan of the merger proposal.

“We should be able to stand by ourselves and be proud of what we’re doing,” he said.

Meanwhile Cr Tony Wallace was optimistic, saying he wanted to see a bigger border to make it “our region” and that merging with Cootamundra was a better option for Young.

“I know the mayor of Cootamundra is here... [but I ask] to please reconsider,” he said.

Cr Ben Cooper’s number one priority was about protecting jobs.

He compared the flow-on effect that comes with job losses to his occupation as a teacher at Young High School, where most of council’s directors send their children.

Cr Ingram said every forum he’s attended has produced different discussions, making his decision very hard.

He also said he was disappointed there weren’t more younger people present.

“The decisions we’re making are for our kids and their kids,” Mr Ingram said.

During question time, a woman in the crowd asked to hear from Cr Tuckerman and how residents in Boorowa were feeling on the matter.

“I’ve really turned up on my own accord to listen to what Young has to say,” Cr Tuckerman said on Tuesday night.

“It’s a very difficult decision… at this point it’s not looking good... [we don’t have a lot of options on] what direction to take.

“There are big decisions to be made. The election this Saturday will be very interesting that will guide us in that process.”