Leesport Borough

Leesport Borough is the municipal government serving the residents and property owners of Leesport, Pennsylvania, a small community in northern Berks County situated along the Schuylkill River roughly nine miles north of Reading. The borough is bordered by Bern Township, Centre Township, and Ontelaunee Township, and its compact footprint spans both sides of the river. Borough Hall, located at 27 South Canal Street, serves as the administrative center for municipal business and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The main office line is 610-926-2115.

Day to day, the borough office handles water billing, real estate tax questions, permit intake, rental licensing, refuse and recycling coordination, and public records requests. It also publishes meeting materials, ordinances, resolutions, budgets, and audits for public review, and distributes a quarterly newsletter to households throughout the community.

History

The present borough reflects a two part history tied to the river that runs through it. West Leesport, on the western bank, was incorporated as a borough out of Bern Township in 1901. The settlement known as Leesport, on the eastern side of the Schuylkill, remained a village within Ontelaunee Township for several more decades. In 1957 the two communities were joined into a single municipality under the official name of Leesport. That consolidation is why the borough today maintains service relationships that extend into neighboring townships, most notably in water service.

Water Service and Billing

Water service is provided through the Leesport Water Authority, with billing administered at Borough Hall on a quarterly cycle.

The authority publishes an annual water quality report, commonly called a Consumer Confidence Report or CCR, which summarizes testing results and source information for the previous year. The borough also points customers toward the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) when accounts fall behind, and maintains public guidance on what residents should do during a water main break or a boil water notice.

Sewer Service

Wastewater treatment is handled by the Leesport Borough Authority, which is a separate legal entity from the borough government. The authority operates the treatment plant at 10 E Wall Street and can be reached at 610-926-2060. Sewer charges are calculated using the water usage gallons shown on the borough water bill, and sewer invoices are mailed quarterly, approximately one month after the corresponding water bills. Residents who have questions specific to sewer accounts are directed to the authority office rather than Borough Hall.

Trash and Recycling

Curbside trash collection takes place every Tuesday, with single stream recycling collected on alternating Tuesdays. Single stream recycling is mandatory under Ordinance 454. Rolling recycling toters are supplied at no cost to borough residents and can be picked up at Borough Hall or arranged for delivery. The collection program allows one large item per week at the curb, with appliances excluded from that allowance. Holiday schedule adjustments and collection reminders are posted by the borough during the year.

Permits, Inspections, and Rental Licensing

Building and zoning permit administration is managed on the borough's behalf by LTL Consultants, reachable at 610-987-9290. Applications are available through the borough and submitted for review by the consultant's code staff. Roof replacement, siding, and window replacement do not require a permit when no structural alteration is involved.

Under Ordinance 485, a use and occupancy pre settlement inspection is required for the sale of residential property in the borough. The application form for a Use and Occupancy Permit was revised in October 2023 and is available from Borough Hall.

Rental properties are regulated under Ordinance 422, which requires owners and rental agents to report current tenants and to notify the borough when tenancies change. Ordinance 479 addresses disruptive tenant conduct. Rental license applications and inspection forms are distributed by the borough office.

Real Estate Taxes

Borough real estate taxes may be paid by mail, deposited in the drop box at Borough Hall, or submitted through the Berks County online tax payment system. Property owners who want a stamped receipt should include a self addressed stamped envelope with payment. Tax Collector M. Jane Lauser can be reached at 484-277-7912 for questions about bills, due dates, and discount or penalty periods.

Recreation and the Leesport Pool

Recreation programming is overseen by the borough Recreation Board, which meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM. The board manages the Leesport Pool, including seasonal memberships, the Leesport Lightning swim team, and rentals of the pool and park pavilion under a facility use agreement. Inquiries about pool membership, swim team registration, and rental availability are directed to LeesportPool19533@gmail.com.

Public Safety and Emergency Management

Police protection is provided by the Northern Berks Regional Police Department, with ambulance service from Northern Berks EMS and fire protection from Union Fire Company. Emergency management for the borough is coordinated by Emergency Management Coordinator David J. Reimer Sr. and Deputy Coordinator Carl Moyer under the borough Emergency Operations Plan adopted as Resolution 255.

Alerts, including snow emergency declarations, are distributed through the CODE RED notification system as well as social media accounts, and local radio and television outlets. Designated snow emergency routes include Main Street, Leesport Avenue, East and West Wall Street, Railroad Avenue, and Lee Street. Residents are encouraged to register for CODE RED so that weather, utility, and public safety notices reach them directly.

Council Meetings and Public Information

Borough Council meets on a regular schedule, with a Zoom link provided so residents can attend remotely. Agendas, minutes, annual budgets, audit reports, ordinances, and resolutions are posted online for public access.

The borough also produces The Leesport Reporter, a quarterly newsletter covering municipal news, area emergency services, and community organizations. The publication is funded through advertising purchased by local merchants, and an advertising schedule with rates is available for businesses interested in participating. Newsletter correspondence is accepted at newsletter@leesport.org.

Additional Programs

• MS4 stormwater management, covering municipal storm sewer maintenance, source water protection, and public education materials
• Berks County dog licensing guidance, along with No Nonsense Neutering information for cat owners
• The Legacy Wall brick campaign, which offers engraved bricks as a community fundraising and memorial program
• Hometown Heroes banners honoring current and former borough residents who served in the armed forces

Residents with questions that do not fall clearly into one department are encouraged to call Borough Hall during business hours, where staff can direct inquiries to the appropriate office, authority, or contracted service provider.