A time of tough spending constraints lies ahead for councils in the coming years, First Minister Alex Salmond warned.
He also cautioned against future cuts to the Scottish Budget from Westminster during a speech to the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) conference in St Andrews on Wednesday.
Mr Salmond said: "The next few years will be tough for public spending, which is why maintaining strong bonds between national and local government is critical.
"Together we can increase sustainable economic growth for our communities and deliver a successful, more prosperous Scotland."
The First Minister told delegates that Scotland won't "stand idly by" in the face of any fresh cuts in the 2010/11 Budget after the election - from a Labour or Tory Government.
He added: "Scotland's local authorities and public bodies are working hard to finalise their budgets and further cuts could damage public services and Scotland's economic recovery.
"The Scottish Government is demanding no reopening of 2010-11 spending plans. Local government representatives, including Cosla political group leaders, have also made this case.
"Thus far, the response from the Westminster parties has been evasive. We need clarity and stability over budgets.
"Amid £500million of cuts that have already been imposed by the UK Government, our recent budget was tailored to protect frontline public services and to support individuals and households suffering economic hardship."
