"As of today, we do not have the money to open the Russellville Aquatic Center on January 1, 2018," Finance Director Jerry McKaughan told the City Council during its Finance Committee meeting last week.
Earlier this year, it was estimated it would cost $400,000 to operate the Aquatic Center.
Entry-level salaries for police officers and firefighters have not gone up in years. Both Police Chief Jeff Humphrey and Fire Chief Kirk Slone have discussed having the necessary funds to replace their equipment and emergency service vehicles.
It takes more than $1 million a month to operate and maintain the city and its 13 buildings, including paying the people who work daily and need cost of living increases to keep up.