After nearly a decade without a water and sewer base rate increase – despite a borough-wide post‑Superstorm Sandy infrastructure overhaul and free water meter installation for property owners – rates rose 32%, or $120 annually, this year to cover a funding gap from a contract cost increase and lost revenue, but they remain the lowest on the Island.

“Stafford Township increased our cost for service from them, and we announced that at our last meeting; it was about $55,000,” Councilman William…