A handful of people came out to Wednesday’s public open house regarding the water treatment plant transfer.

At the open house, Vale and the City explained that they’re doing the transfer now, because the mine needs to be competitive, and with a recent $14.5 million investment into the plant, the time seems right.

Mayor Dennis Fenske admitted the cost of water will increase if Vale transfers the Water Treatment Plant to the City. Residents were told it costs around $1 million to operate the plant, without revenue.

Fenske said an increase is the reality of the City taking over operating costs. By how much it would increase, isn’t known yet. The City will have to apply through the Public Utilities Board.

Residents were shown pictures of the plant, with a breakdown of the recent upgrades done to the facility.

Residents were told that Vale and the City are currently in the process of finalizing the terms of the transition period, but that they would ideally like to hand over the asset by January 1, 2016.

Another public open house is set to happen on June 12, from 7pm-9pm at St. Joseph's Hall.