The Whitewright City Council has taken the next step toward completing long-delayed improvements to the city's wastewater treatment plant by approving the issuance process for certificates of obligation that will help fund the project.

The council approved the initial step last week, beginning the legal process required before the financing can be finalized.

The city will publish public notices for two consecutive weeks before holding a public hearing in September, when the certificates of obligation are expected to be officially issued.