GARDEN GROVE

About 7,000 residents have signed a petition opposing the city’s proposed trash and sewer fee hikes, and more than 50 people spoke at a public hearing on the issue at a City Council meeting Wednesday. City officials said that about 17,000 signatures would be needed to thwart the proposed hikes. Officials say the fee increase is needed to maintain the city’s aging sewer system and protect public health. If the rate hike goes through, residents could find the increases included in their bills as early as September. The City Council will consider the matter again at a meeting Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Community Meeting Center, 11300 Stanford Ave.