ASHLAND CITY, Tenn. -- Time is running out for leaders in Cheatham County to come up with $125,000 to fund fire service. Soon, the doors to Cheatham County's animal shelter may be closed for good -- a move that few seem to like but some feel is the best option.

Video: County Leader Says Fire Service Needs Thousands

Several city leaders want to use the $200,000 it costs to run the shelter every year to fund fire service for more than 1,000 people in Cheatham County.

"We're talking about the possibility of lives being lost if we don't come up with resources," said Commission Chairman David McCullough.

McCullough said with volunteer fire departments in the county strapped for cash, they can no longer afford to respond to calls in rural parts of the county, where residents are not paying a fire tax.

Starting Dec. 1, the Ashland City Fire Department will stop responding to emergencies in certain rural areas unless the county can come up with money to help them.

"I think the answer's not to do away with the animal control facility but to find somewhere within our resources $250,000," McCullough said.

Even if the animal shelter is closed, the money saved would only be enough to continue fire service throughout the county for a year.

Leaders are looking at other options, which could include imposing a fire tax on all residents, but it's unlikely a new tax could be worked out by Dec. 1.

County leaders will discuss options at a budget committee next week.