Citizens in Neosho, Missouri, have a chance to voice their concerns over the proposed sale of the City's water and wastewater systems to Missouri American Water.

Neosho's current water system was originally built during World War 2, and city officials say it experiences up to 50% water loss. The average water loss for municipal water systems in the United States is between 14 and 18%. The current proposal would sell the City's water system to the Missouri-based company for $34.5 million. City officials say the sale would help relieve Neosho of existing debts, while strengthening its finances, allowing the City to invest in other priorities without placing the financial burden on taxpayers.

Before any agreement can be finalized, the sale would have to be approved by the Missouri Public Service Commission. That process would take anywhere from six to twelve months.