Topton Borough

Topton Borough is the municipal government serving the residents and property owners of Topton, Pennsylvania, a small community in the northeast corner of Berks County. Borough Hall is located at 205 South Callowhill Street, where the administrative offices, Borough Council meetings, and most municipal business take place. The borough covers a compact area surrounded almost entirely by Longswamp Township, with one small corner adjoining Maxatawny Township. According to the 2020 Decennial Census, Topton has a population of 2,041.

The community takes its name from an observation made in 1859 by Judge George Stitzel, who was inspecting the East Penn Railroad extension being built between Reading and Allentown. The site sat at the highest elevation along that stretch of track, and the name stuck. The Borough of Topton was formally incorporated in February 1876, making it one of the older incorporated municipalities in the region. The borough marked its 150th anniversary with a commemorative celebration and a published anniversary book.

Borough Government and Administration

Topton operates under a mayor and council structure. Mayor Guy R. Miller serves alongside a seven member Borough Council that sets policy, adopts ordinances, approves the annual budget, and oversees municipal operations. Day to day administration is handled by a Borough Manager/Secretary, who also serves as the borough's Recycling Coordinator and Open Records Officer. Additional staff include a Treasurer, a Tax Collector, and a Community Education and Outreach Coordinator.

Council meetings, along with Planning Commission, Municipal Authority, and Zoning Hearing Board sessions, are held at Topton Borough Hall. Agendas and minutes are posted on the borough website, and meeting recordings are made available on the borough's YouTube channel for residents who cannot attend in person. Residents or organizations who wish to have an item placed on a meeting agenda must submit the request in writing by noon on the Wednesday preceding the meeting.

Water and Sewer Utility Services

The borough manages water and sewer billing and collections for properties within its service area. Payment options are intentionally varied so that residents can choose what works best for them:

• In person at Borough Hall using exact change, check, or card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and debit accepted)
• By mail
• Through the drop box located at the office door for after hours payments

Payment plans are available for account holders who need to spread a balance over time. Billing procedures, the 48-hour posting fee, and the consequences of delinquency are governed by Ordinance 329 and Resolution 15-2026, both of which are available for public review.

Zoning, Permits, and Building Codes

Property owners planning construction, renovations, or other work that affects a structure or the public right of way will need to work through the borough's permitting process. Applications on file include general permits, zoning permits, street occupancy permits, sidewalk and curb permits, and conditional use applications. A published 2026 fee schedule outlines the cost associated with each type of application.

Zoning administration, code enforcement, and building inspection services are provided to the borough through Barry Isett & Associates, a third party firm that handles plan review and inspections on the borough's behalf. Residents with questions about setbacks, permitted uses, or inspection scheduling can start at Borough Hall and be directed accordingly.

Quality of Life Ordinances

Topton maintains a set of quality of life ordinances intended to address property maintenance and neighborhood conditions. Ordinances 3-2021, 8-2021, and 1-2023 cover matters such as the removal of snow and ice from sidewalks, grass and weeds exceeding ten inches in height, and the storage of more than one unregistered vehicle on a property. Residents can submit complaints regarding these issues through the borough, which forwards them for enforcement review.

Public Works and Seasonal Programs

The borough coordinates recycling services for residents and runs a seasonal curbside leaf collection program each fall. Leaf pickup takes place on scheduled weekdays throughout October, with crews working from 6:00 am to 10:00 am. Residents are advised to check the posted schedule and have leaves placed curbside before collection begins on their assigned day.

Tax Collection

Local tax collection is handled by Thomas A. Biltcliff III, who holds posted sitting hours at Topton Borough Hall. Appointments outside of those hours can be arranged by emailing toptontax@gmail.com or calling (610) 504-1504. Earned Income Tax and Local Services Tax matters are administered separately through the Berks Earned Income Tax Bureau rather than through the borough office.

Topton Community Park and Recreation

The borough maintains a ten acre recreational facility that serves as the center of outdoor activity in Topton. Amenities include a basketball court, a playground, baseball and softball fields, and two pavilions available for community use. Future improvements and long range planning for the site are guided by the 2025 Community Park Master Plan. The Topton Memorial Pool, formerly part of the borough's recreation offerings, was permanently closed by Council action in June 2022.

Community Events and Local Organizations

Topton Borough supports and promotes a calendar of community events, many of them organized in partnership with local groups. Annual traditions include the TCOC Topton Halloween Parade, the borough's Trick or Treat night, and the Trunk or Treat hosted by Topton Volunteer Fire Company No. 1. The borough also works with and provides information about youth sports leagues, American Legion Post 217, and the Brandywine Community Library.

Transparency and Financial Reporting

The borough publishes its annual DCED audits online, with reports available covering 2016 through 2025. Tax Collector audits and Topton Fireman's Relief Association compliance reports are posted as well. Right to Know requests are handled by the Borough Manager/Secretary in the capacity of Open Records Officer.

Contact and Visiting

Topton Borough Hall is located at 205 South Callowhill Street, Topton, PA 19562. The office can be reached by phone at 610-682-2541. Residents with questions about utility accounts, permits, park use, or upcoming meetings are encouraged to contact the office directly during posted business hours.