Lower Heidelberg Township

Lower Heidelberg Township is the municipal government serving a residential and agricultural community in western Berks County, Pennsylvania. The township building sits at 720 Brownsville Road in Sinking Spring, PA 19608, and serves as the central point of contact for residents, property owners and businesses with questions about permits, taxes, utility billing, roadwork, ordinances and public safety. The main office line is 610-678-3393.

Established in 1842, the township has a documented history that stretches back more than 180 years. The community marked its 150th anniversary in 1992 and its 175th anniversary in 2017 with a public celebration held at the Green Valley Swim Club. Today the township operates under a three-member Board of Supervisors, with daily administration handled by a Township Manager. The stated aim of the governing body is to create, enable and maintain a safe, welcoming and pleasant place to live, work or operate a business.

Government Structure and Public Meetings

The Board of Supervisors meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 3:00 PM at the Township Building. A workshop session is held the preceding Tuesday, giving supervisors time to review agenda items, hear from staff and discuss pending matters before formal action is taken. Both sessions are part of the public record, and residents who wish to raise concerns about roads, zoning, development proposals or township services typically do so at these meetings.

Township offices are open Monday through Friday and are closed on holidays. Residents are encouraged to call ahead when visiting for permit questions or billing matters, since several functions are administered in coordination with outside professionals and consultants.

Police and Public Safety

The Lower Heidelberg Township Police Department operates out of the township building and is on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The non-emergency line is 610-678-3011, staffed Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with calls routed to 610-655-4911 after hours, on weekends and on holidays. Emergencies should always be directed to 911.

Beyond patrol and response, the department offers two programs of practical use to homeowners:

• Vacation property checks, in which officers monitor a residence while the occupants are away

Fire protection is provided by the Western Berks Fire Department, known as Berks County Company 18, which covers roughly 32 square miles and more than 22,000 residents. Ambulance service comes from Western Berks EMS, the largest non-profit ambulance organization in Berks County, operating 15 ambulances from four stations. Emergency management for the township is coordinated by Justin Schlottman, who works alongside both agencies.

The township also participates in the CodeRED Emergency Alert System. Registration is free for residents and businesses, and unlisted numbers, mobile numbers and TDD/TTY lines can all be entered. A mobile app is available, and residents without computer access can call the township office to be signed up for telephone alerts.

Permits, Zoning and Code Enforcement

Building, plumbing, electrical and zoning permits are administered on the township's behalf by Kraft Municipal Group of Shillington, PA, reachable at 610-777-1311. Permits are commonly required for projects including:

• Sheds, fences and retaining walls
• New construction, additions and demolition
• Plumbing fixtures, hot water heaters and air conditioning equipment
• Curb, sidewalk and driveway ramp work

Applications generally require a detailed overhead drawing showing existing structures, property lines and measurements, which helps the zoning officer confirm setbacks and compliance before work begins. Kraft Municipal Group also supplies building code officer services for inspections.

The full Code of Ordinances is published through eCode360, where residents can search chapters, subscribe to e-alerts when a chapter is amended and review the annual fee schedule adopted by the Board of Supervisors.

Sewer, Trash and Utility Billing

Curbside trash collection takes place every Monday, with annual schedules published in advance and adjustments announced for holiday weeks. Seasonal organic waste collection and leaf pickup are offered as well. Hauling services are provided through JP Mascaro.

Sewer, trash and recycling bills can be paid through the AMS portal, and billing questions are handled directly by the township office at 610-678-3393. For sewage enforcement, the first point of contact is Jim McCarthy, PE of McCarthy Engineering in Wyomissing, with Berks Envirotech serving as the secondary contact. Emergency sewer response is available 24 hours a day through ARRO Water Services at 717-228-7419. The township also provides guidance for owners of private and community on-lot septic systems, including maintenance and permitting requirements.

Roads, Parks and Recreation

Township road maintenance and public works are handled by an in-house road crew led by Road Foreman Matt Clay. Routine matters can be directed to the township office, and road emergencies such as downed trees, washouts or snow and ice problems can be reported by mobile at 484-256-3558.

Parks and recreation programming is overseen by a Recreation Board that meets monthly and is chaired by the Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Supervisors. Residents are also served by the Wernersville Public Library, which offers home delivery and curbside checkout of books, DVDs, games and Wi-Fi hotspots, free computer and internet access, eBooks and digital audiobooks, storytimes, early literacy and after-school programming, and outreach to seniors.

Taxes and Public Records

Township taxes are collected by Sharon Boyer, who can be reached at 610-670-4644. The 2026 township millage rate is 6.9596 mills. Berks County taxes are levied at 9.013 mills and collected through the County Treasurer's Office, while Wilson School District taxes are collected by Angie Rutt at 610-670-0180, extension 1117.

Right-to-Know requests under Pennsylvania's open records law are accepted by email, mail, fax or in person. Township Manager Brian Cole serves as the Right to Know Officer, with the Secretary/Treasurer acting as Alternative Open Records Officer. Standard forms issued by the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records are available online and at the township building.

Community Newsletter

The township publishes a newsletter two to three times per year that reaches more than 2,000 homes. Local small businesses may place affordable advertisements, and business cards are accepted as ad copy. Inquiries about newsletter advertising can be directed to Pat Zerby at 484-773-9238.