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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- A popular Heartland center is looking to cut hours to stay in budget.

During the Kirksville City Council study session on Monday, city officials discussed the possibility of cutting the hours of operation at the Aquatic Center in Rotary Park.

Due to raised maintenance, utilities, and personnel costs it has been difficult for the center's budget to stay balanced.

One option is for the center to be closed on Mondays; the other is for the center to open every day at 1p.m. instead of noon beginning this summer.

Kirksville Assistant City Manager Melanie Smith is hoping this won't affect attendance.

"We don't think it will. Mondays are usually the lowest attended day, so that's why we are looking at that day in particular. So we hope it won't affect our attendance. The other option would have been would be to increase pass fees, and that would greatly affect our attendance or the ability for people to come to our pool," Smith said.

Smith said now it is up to the Aquatic Center's staff and the Lakes, Parks, and Recreation Committee to decide if they will cut hours.

If they decide yes, the changed schedule will take affect beginning Memorial Day weekend when the outdoor pool opens for the summer season.