The city of Auburn will likely try and secure state funding for a study consolidating its water and sewer systems.

City council will decide tonight whether to apply for a $50,000 grant from the New York Department of State that will examine the costs and benefits of creating a single, shared water and sewer authority with surrounding communities.

Through the study, the city would investigate the economic and management benefits of a single, consolidated system.

The towns of Fleming, Throop, Owasco, Aurelius and Sennett will also participate in the study, according to the resolution.

Auburn currently supplies water and sewer services to each party.

The city hired a consultant this summer to examine where it needs to invest in the system, how it charges its customers and surrounding communities for services, and the costs it incurs due to the current system.

City officials have said that a water and sewer authority would make the system more efficient while making each party a stakeholder.

Multiple town officials have said they are open to the idea of an authority.

The funds would come from the state's Local Government Efficiency Grants program, which has distributed $29.8 million for 161 projects to date.

The city would also pay $5,000 toward the study, according to the proposal.

Councilors are also scheduled to vote on a change order for construction of a new cell at the city landfill.

The council tabled the measure last week after multiple members asked for an itemized list of costs for the project.