However, two issues that could have an impact on the council’s finances have forced a re-think, putting it back to February 27.

One is the referral to the meeting of the full council on February 14 of a bid to push the £10 million replacement of Montrose swimming pool on to the authority’s 2007/2011 financial plan.

That stoked up heated argument when it was approved at last month’s neighbourhood services committee, where it was claimed the project could add £20 to every council tax bill in Angus.

February 14 will also spotlight ongoing safety concerns about the double bend at Conchie’s Corner, on the Carnoustie-Monifieth road.

The matter was referred to the full council after last month’s infrastructure services committee agreed no further action be taken there, but that it be looked at in a wider report on accident priority areas.

Options to improve the bend range from £120,000 for carriageway widening to replacing the Ellinsore Bridge over the Buddon Burn at a cost of £1.15 million.

Depute administration leader, Councillor Ian Mackintosh, said the council tax meeting delay was necessary to allow full discussion of the matters referred from the committees.

He said it would have been wrong to have held the budget settlement meeting on February 14 before moving on to the road and swimming pool issues.

“Depending on the results of the full council meeting, the budget may well have to be altered,” he explained.

“The full council meeting will be held first of all and be able to give full discussion to Conchie’s Corner and Montrose swimming pool.”

He said the switch had been agreed between administration leader Councillor Bob Myles and opposition head, Councillor Rob Murray.