Good evening, I'm Dion Cheney.And I'm Nicole Winters.Thanks for jGood evening, I'm Dion Cheney.And I'm Nicole Winters.Thanks for joining us.The City of Mankato looks at merging with nearby North Mankato.Tonight, city administrators presented the city council with data they believe shows a cost savings for both communities.News 12's Ryan Gustafson joins with more live from the newsroom.While clearly stating that this is a preliminary look at the details, Mankato City Manager Patrick Hentges laid out what he feels would be a benefit to both Mankato and North Mankato.Focusing on general fund expenditures and debt, Hentges' study found a possible savings of over two million dollars if the two cities would merge.Hentges highlighted possible barriers to the merger, including a sense of pride and history and levels of service, but felt financially this is the way the area, and perhaps the state will be heading.Patrick Hentges says, "Based on the savings from just the operational costs, the larger tax levy - merging the cities obviously has positive cost for the residents and the tax payers."Officials from North Mankato refused to comment on the story and the study.But one North Mankato resident who came to tonight's work session feels most of North Mankato would support this move, and urged the council to continue.Jerry Crest says, "We're seeing opportunities to do things that we never would have done in the past. Because it's hard, it's darn hard. But it is important."A copy of the report has been sent to the North Mankato City Council. It is also available online, and can be found be heading over to our website at keyc dot tv just click on our featured links.Live in the Newsroom, Ryan Gustafson, News 12.