People in the cities of Lynch, Benham and Cumberland are one step closer on voting to combine essential services for all three cities. Harlan County government has set a deadline of 4 o'clock Tuesday for officials in the three cities to put the issue on the November ballot.

“The state is probably going to restrict putting so much money into each of the little towns in the tri-city area,” says Lynch City Council member Anne Carr.

Officials with Cumberland, Benham and Lynch have been working on giving the people of their cities the choice to combine essential services, such as water, sewer and sanitation.

“We've been trying to push it because we don't have the resources no more to try to keep these cities going,” says Lynch City Council member Bennie Massey.

The lynch city council met Monday night to discuss putting the ordinance on the November ballot and all members voted yes.

“We've been batting this around for a long time. I'm anxious to get it over with and to know what the citizens want to do,” says Lynch Mayor Robert Collier.

“Let the people decide. You know, they did here at Lynch tonight and the people will make the decision as to what they want then we will abide by their wishes,” says Benham Mayor John Dodd.

With Benham and Lynch on board, Cumberland City officials have yet make a decision.

“I'm willing to work with the other two mayors and not only that, I'm sure that my council will be too,” says Cumberland Mayor Loretta Cornett.

It’s cooperation that's coming down to the wire.

Mayor Cornett says she expects the council will vote to put the issue on the November ballot.

“The state is probably going to restrict putting so much money into each of the little towns in the tri-city area,” says Lynch City Council member Anne Carr.

Officials with Cumberland, Benham and Lynch have been working on giving the people of their cities the choice to combine essential services, such as water, sewer and sanitation.

“We've been trying to push it because we don't have the resources no more to try to keep these cities going,” says Lynch City Council member Bennie Massey.

The lynch city council met Monday night to discuss putting the ordinance on the November ballot and all members voted yes.

“We've been batting this around for a long time. I'm anxious to get it over with and to know what the citizens want to do,” says Lynch Mayor Robert Collier.

“Let the people decide. You know, they did here at Lynch tonight and the people will make the decision as to what they want then we will abide by their wishes,” says Benham Mayor John Dodd.

With Benham and Lynch on board, Cumberland City officials have yet make a decision.

“I'm willing to work with the other two mayors and not only that, I'm sure that my council will be too,” says Cumberland Mayor Loretta Cornett.

It’s cooperation that's coming down to the wire.

Mayor Cornett says she expects the council will vote to put the issue on the November ballot.