A huge about-face for Bakersfield city leaders in the wake of backlash over massive sewer rate hikes.

Wednesday’s city council meeting began with City Manager Christian Clegg recommending the city council rescind the notice to increase sewer rates from $239 to $950 a year.

The Proposition 218 notice released on April 16 sparked outrage from Bakersfield residents.

The proposed hike of more than 300% came as the city faces an ailing sewer system.

A public hearing on the proposal was scheduled for May 28, but council members now say they’ll continue to explore other options for system upgrades.