Berks County news

Draft minutes show Berks County approved $7.2M in Ag Center contracts in one vote Oct. 29. Thursday: $3.3M in bond funds, a new chief deputy sheriff.

A Nov. 2 staff memo lists $2.06M in 2027 cuts, from the Memorial Day Parade to leaf disposal, and a 3- or 4-mill tax hike. Council meets Nov. 10 at 7 p.m.

Oley Valley's school board weighs a pledge to cap any 2027-28 tax increase at 3.6%, a $76,140 fund-balance move and a girls wrestling team Wednesday.

Shoemakersville extended Republic Services for 2027 at $371,793, heard its mayor say Hamburg council approved a police deal, and paid a $167,922 ADA bill.

Wernersville council weighs Wednesday whether to raise 2027 taxes and replace its $50 ambulance fee with a millage, plus taking over Marcello Circle.

Mohnton council votes Wednesday on a 2027 tax increase with no rate posted, and on a $1 million state grant: a fire ladder truck or Main Street culverts.

Albany supervisors set a Nov. 2 hearing on Hawk Mountain's $13M visitor center rebuild and queued a township-wide septic-pumping plan, minutes show.

23 Max LLC returns to Maxatawny supervisors Nov. 5 with a two-warehouse plan for 128 acres on Hilltop Road zoned light industrial and farm preservation.

How to get free food in Berks County: Helping Harvest's pantry map, 211, what to bring, income rules, senior boxes, mobile markets, SNAP and WIC.

Wilson's school board hired a $144,341 high school principal 8-0, let its CFO sign an unpriced electricity contract and split 5-3 on a $50,438 screener.

In a mental health crisis in Berks County, call or text 988 or the county's 24-hour crisis line, 610-379-2007. What happens next, and what a 302 means.

LIHEAP 2026-27 in Berks County: $200 to $1,000 heating grants, the income limits, crisis help within 48 hours, and how to apply at 625 Cherry Street.

Cumru's draft 2027 budget runs $923,263 short, with police up 12% and health insurance up in most funds. Commissioners review it Thursday at 6 p.m.

How to apply for SNAP, Medicaid and TANF at the Berks County Assistance Office, 625 Cherry St., Reading: income limits, deadlines, appeals, who to call.

Bern supervisors decided Oct. 6 to appeal to Commonwealth Court a ruling the manager says lets Reading One Three build a 45-foot warehouse with no conditions.

Bernville council votes Tuesday on a $1,000,000 state LSA grant request for its water plant and on advertising the 2027 budget for a Dec. 1 vote.

Brecknock's supervisors act Wednesday on the 2027 tax levy, a $225,900 state grant request for a wheel loader, a 103-acre farmland hearing and two hires.

Hereford supervisors vote tonight on a 1.75-mill 2027 tax rate, unchanged from 2026, plus advertising the budget, a shared roller and a $25/hr road hire.

How to file for child custody in Berks County: the $225 fee, the forms, the Children in the Middle class, the conciliation conference, and legal help.

How to adopt in Berks County: who can adopt, the Orphans' Court filing at 633 Court Street, the $126.25 petition fee, clearances, the hearing and decree.