Manhattan ? The city of Manhattan has taken the first step toward repealing a policy that allows churches and schools to get their water for free.

KMAN reports that the Manhattan city commissioners voted 5-0 Tuesday to repeal the century-old policy that allows the city’s schools and churches to have free water services. To become official, the commission will have to vote on the issue one more time. If approved, the change would take effect July 1.

School Superintendent Bob Shannon has said that paying for water would cost the district between $27,000 and $29,000.

The City Commission has said residential users pay more for their water because churches and schools get it free. The practice began in 1887 under a stipulation in a deed when the city acquired land for its water plant.