Akron is dealing with a federal consent decree that requires it to cap almost three dozen combined sewer overflows at a cost that could hit $1.4 billion. City officials are trying a new plan the federal EPA is offering that could lower the costs and spread out construction over a longer period of time.

Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic says EPA guidelines set the rate formula but if council rejects it, Federal Judge John Adams could force the city to go back to the more expensive project.

“You’re going to have council members stand up, pontificate and argue and say, 'I took on the mayor and I took on this.' But the alternative, if this ordinance is turned down, is we fall right back under the control of the federal judge who, in my opinion, does not care one bit about what it costs the ratepayers.”

Under the proposal, an average Akron household would see rates monthly jump from $34 to $59 over two years. But city officials say the increases might be twice that size later if council rejects it now.

Suburban customers would pay about 12 percent more. If council approves, the new rates would start immediately and show up in next month’s bill.