Opp Mayor John Bartholomew on Thursday said he is optimistic the city’s new pool will be completed by month’s end, as long as the rain holds off.

“Every time it rains, that pushes us further back,” he said. “But the farmers need rain.”

Bartholomew said once the pool is finished, the city will hold a grand opening celebration and then it will be open to the public.

After years of discussion – sometimes heated – the city council approved a new pool in September 2015.

They approved a bid for $244,876 for a pool from Blue Haven Pools and a $140,000 bid for Catrett Construction for the pavilion.

The pool will feature six lanes and will allow the city of Opp to offer competitive swimming to its youth.

The total cost from Blue Haven Pools, included the deck, splash pad, wheelchair lift, platform, lane, ropes and more.

The $140,000 for Catrett Construction includes the pool house, which features air conditioned bathrooms, concession stand, a breeze way and a room.

“We are excited,” Bartholomew said. “This is going to be great for our city.”