Despite various groups coming together to work toward a solution to “save the Middlesboro pool,” those efforts just aren’t enough to keep the pool open this summer.

On Friday, Middlesboro Mayor Rick Nelson released the following statement, “Unfortunately it is my duty to let you know that our pool will not be open this year for reasons already discussed,” he continued. “We do have a company that will come down and try to find the leak and estimate repairs.”

Reasons that Nelson has discussed prior to the announcement include needs that Middlesboro is facing and the costs that it will take to meet those needs.

Those needs include:

• Seven police officers short — $40,000 needed;

• Three firefighters/EMT’s short — $21,000 needed;

• Five police cars — $185,000 needed;

• Two ambulances — $340,000 needed;

• One backhoe — $120,000 needed;

• Two dump trucks — $160,000 needed.

The final total comes to approximately $1.5 million.

“Whether you like this or not, it is what we are facing moving forward,” he said.

Nelson also mentioned that there is an unknown increase in pension and health care costs.

“We do have commitments to help with repairs and expenses to make it better for next year,” he said. “Thank you for your understanding in this matter.”

The City of Middlesboro will be holding a special meeting Tuesday at 5 p.m. to discuss a few of the items listed above as needs for the city. The public is invited and encouraged to attend the meeting that is being held in the Council Chamber of Middlesboro City Hall.