The Chico City Council is advancing a plan that will significantly increase sewer rates over the next five years. The plan, approved during a recent council meeting, will see a 180% increase in sewer bills in the first year. A typical family can expect their monthly bill to rise from $38 to $98 in the first year, followed by 3% increases annually over the next four years. This results in a total 215% increase over five years. City staff explained that these hikes are crucial for upgrading the sewer system, which has suffered from years of underfunding.