WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAU) – Wausau officially put six communities along Highway 29 on notice that the city may sell them water in the future.

The City Council voted 10-1 Tuesday to approve the notice of intent to sell.

The decision frees up the communities to begin negotiating a contract to buy the city’s water and find money to pay for a nearly $30 million pipeline.

Alderman Matt Kaiser, who cast the only no vote, said he wanted more information about how taxpayers would be protected by the city’s decision to sell its water.

Other Council members said protections would be built into the rate set by the state Public Service Commission. They also cited a study that shows the city’s aquifers can meet the demand to provide a supplemental water source.

Leaders from Abbotsford, Colby, Edgar, Marathon City, Marshfield and Spencer have said it could take up to two years to put together all of the paperwork.