Press Releases

Exeter Added to Online Option for County Real Estate Tax Payments

News Date:

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Exeter residents can now pay their county Real Estate Taxes online. More tax districts will follow in the future.

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Spring 2024 Issue of Berks 1st Magazine is Available

News Date:

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Click here for links to the online version of Berks 1st magazine OR to sign up for future issues.

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Exide Site Added to EPA National Priorities List

News Date:

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

After years of lobbying from Berks County, the EPA has added the Exide Technologies area to the National Priorities List.

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Online County Real Estate Tax Payments Option Expands to Amity, Mohnton

News Date:

Friday, March 1, 2024

Amity & Mohnton residents can now pay their county Real Estate Taxes online. More tax districts will follow in the future.

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County Commissioners Present Priorities for 2024

News Date:

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Commissioners Christian Leinbach, Michael Rivera, and Dante Santoni, Jr. presented their 2024 priorities for Berks County. Click below for more information.

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Berks Kicks Off Comprehensive Agriculture Study

News Date:

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Berks County has commissioned a study to measure the total impact of the agricultural industry and develop a strategic action plan for the County.

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Online County Real Estate Tax Payments Option Expands to Spring, Leesport

News Date:

Friday, December 1, 2023

Spring Twp & Leesport Borough residents can now pay their county Real Estate Taxes online. More tax districts will follow in the future.

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New Prices for Dog Licensing Beginning in December

News Date:

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

State is changing the prices for dog licenses. The new price structure is coming in two phases.

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2023 Municipal Election certification delayed

News Date:

Monday, November 27, 2023

The Berks County Board of Elections has delayed its certification of the 2023 Municipal Election results to include undated and incorrectly dated ballots, due to a recent court ruling.

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Fall/Winter Issue of Berks 1st Magazine is Available

News Date:

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Click here for links to the online version of Berks 1st magazine OR to sign up for future issues.

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Berks Economic Development Director Wins State Award

News Date:

Friday, October 20, 2023

Berks Director of Community and Economic Development Wins statewide 2023 Developer of the Year Award

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SBA Implements Disaster Relief Loans

News Date:

Friday, September 29, 2023

UPDATE - SBA announces the location/hours of a Disaster Loan Outreach Center for July 9 storm victims.

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Public Asked to Urge Legislators to Support 9-1-1 Funding Bill

News Date:

Thursday, September 14, 2023

The County Commissioners ask the public to urge state legislators to support 9-1-1 funding.

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Antietam Lake Park Deer Management Program to begin Third Year

News Date:

Friday, August 25, 2023

Berks County is preparing for the start of the 23-24 Antietam Lake Park Deer Management Program. The archery-only hunting season will begin on Sept. 16 and run through Jan. 27, 2024.

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County Selects New Library System Administrator

News Date:

Thursday, August 24, 2023

The Berks County Public Library System is pleased to announce the selection of Stephanie Williams as the new System Administrator.

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Commissioners receive 1 Year update on IMAGINEBerks Strategic Economic Development Action Plan

News Date:

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

IMAGINEBerks has been in place for one year. Read more to see how this initiative has affected Berks County in 12 short months!

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Very Important Information for Property Owners with Streambank Damage from Storm 2 Weeks Ago

News Date:

Monday, July 24, 2023

Please note, this program will not provide you direct recovery assistance for damage to your home or property BUT PLEASE DO NOT IGNORE THIS.

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Antietam Dam Inspected and Confirmed Sound

News Date:

Friday, July 21, 2023

The structure and performance of Antietam Dam was recently reevaluated following the extraordinary rain and flooding from July 9, 2023.

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Multi-Agency Resource Center Related to Recent Storm Opening July 13

News Date:

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Resource Center opening July 13 to offer services and support to those impacted by the recent flooding.

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Public Invited to Berks Liberty Bell Ceremony on July 7

News Date:

Monday, July 3, 2023

The Board of Commissioners for the County of Berks would like to invite the public to attend a patriotic ceremony celebrating the reading of the Declaration of Independence in Berks County in 1776.

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Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available

News Date:

Friday, June 30, 2023

Economic Injury Disaster Loans are now available to businesses affected by the R.M. Palmer explosion in March.

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Commissioners in discussions to adopt Juneteenth as official County of Berks holiday

News Date:

Monday, June 19, 2023

The Commissioners have directed County personnel to take the necessary steps to designate the holiday for 2024.

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DEP Declares Statewide Drought Watch

News Date:

Friday, June 16, 2023

PA residents encouraged to voluntarily conserve water by reducing their nonessential water use.

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GRCA Launches a New Local Food Map

News Date:

Monday, June 5, 2023

The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, distributed in conjunction with the County of Berks, announces the launch of a new, interactive local food map.

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Eligible Senior Citizens can Qualify for Free Air Conditioner

News Date:

Thursday, May 4, 2023

The Area Agency on Aging is kicking off its 2023 Cooling Program for residents 60 and older.

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Commissioners terminate countywide ban on outdoor burning

News Date:

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

The ban on open outdoor burning went into effect April 16.

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County of Berks stands with West Reading community and those affected by the tragic incident at R.M. Palmer

News Date:

Saturday, March 25, 2023

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IMAGINE Berks 6-month update

News Date:

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

County Commissioners heard a 6-month update on IMAGINE Berks strategic economic plan

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Appointment of New County Commissioner

News Date:

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Berks County Board of Judges appoint Lucine Sihelnik as new County Commissioner

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County of Berks maintains Aaa issuer rating from Moody’s

News Date:

Friday, February 10, 2023

County of Berks maintains Aaa issuer rating from Moody’s due to strong financial outlook

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New Elections Director, Assistant Director Appointed

News Date:

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

County of Berks appoints new Elections Director, Assistant Director ahead of the 2023 Primary.

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Review FCC National Broadband map

News Date:

Friday, December 23, 2022

County of Berks encourages residents to review FCC National Broadband map for accuracy

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Berks IDA partners with Berks County

News Date:

Thursday, December 22, 2022

BerksIDA partners with Berks County to create new $5 million Infrastructure Investment Fund

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County of Berks names new COO and Deputy COO

News Date:

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

County of Berks names new Chief Operations Officer and Deputy Chief Operations Officer

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Court and County officials mourn passing of Berks County Judge Paul M. Yatron

News Date:

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Passing of Berks County Judge Paul M. Yatron

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County officials notified that federal government plans to end contract with the Berks County Residential Center

News Date:

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

County officials notified that federal government plans to end its contract with the Berks County Residential Center

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Federal government plans to end its contract with the Berks County Residential Center

News Date:

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

The federal government has notified the County of Berks that, effective Jan. 31, they will be ending the contract with the Berks County Residential Center.

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Notice and instructions for Berks County voters who returned undated or incorrectly dated ballots

News Date:

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Notice and instructions for Berks County voters who have returned undated or incorrectly dated mail-in and absentee ballots in light of recent state Supreme Court ruling

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Commissioners to host town hall about Berks County Correctional Facility Project on Sept. 22

News Date:

Thursday, September 22, 2022

Berks County Correctional Facility Town Hall

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Antietam Lake Park Deer Management Program to begin second year Sept. 17

News Date:

Monday, August 29, 2022

For Immediate Release County of Berks Press Release Antietam Lake Park Deer Management Program to begin second year on September 17 Reading, PA

Berks County Election Board certifies primary election results per court order

News Date:

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

For Release Wednesday, 8/24/2022 County of Berks – Press Release Berks County Election Board approves certifying primary election results per court order Reading, PA

Berks County Correctional Facility project website

News Date:

Friday, August 5, 2022

The County of Berks is pleased to announce that the Berks County Correctional Facility project website, bccf.countyofberks.com, is now available for the public.

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Berks County adopts IMAGINE Berks Strategic Economic Development Action Plan

News Date:

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

The Berks County Commissioners adopted the Strategic Economic Development Action Plan, known as IMAGINE Berks.

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Paige Riegner resigns from Berks County Elections Director position

News Date:

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

Berks County Elections Director Paige Riegner submitted her resignation from the position.

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$450K to PA Americana Region’s local tourism efforts

News Date:

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

The Berks County Commissioners recently allocated $450,000 to support Pennsylvania’s Americana Region, as part of the IMAGINE Berks economic development plan.

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Berks County Data Hub offers quick and easy access to important County information and records

News Date:

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

The County of Berks recently rolled out several new online tools that will allow residents to more easily find and access County data.

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Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority to hold first meeting

News Date:

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

The Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority will be holding its inaugural meeting to establish the groundwork.

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Berks County Commissioners approve $18 million in grants for community projects

News Date:

Friday, July 1, 2022

The Berks County Commissioners authorized the approval of up to $18,080,000 in County-funded grants Thursday to support projects that will have a positive and lasting impact in the community.

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Berks County Officials Conduct School Safety Roundtable

News Date:

Thursday, June 16, 2022

The Berks County Commissioners, the Berks County District Attorney, and Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) officials conducted a school safety roundtable.

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Office of Election Services to open Saturday for voters seeking to replace outstanding mail-in ballots

News Date:

Friday, May 13, 2022

The Berks County Office of Election Services will be open Saturday morning to create another opportunity for voters who have not yet received their mail-in ballot to request a replacement ballot.

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Election Services working to expedite delivery of outstanding mail-in ballots

News Date:

Thursday, May 12, 2022

The Berks County Office of Election Services is aware of concerns about the delivery of some mail-in ballots for the General Primary election on May 17.

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Berks broadband initiative launches community survey to evaluate Internet service concerns

News Date:

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

The Berks County Commissioners have undertaken an initiative to review broadband availability, affordability and overall accessibility and are asking residents to provide feedback.

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Electronic pollbooks to debut at all Berks County polling locations for the May 17 primary

News Date:

Thursday, May 5, 2022

The Berks County Office of Election Services will be introducing electronic pollbooks at all polling locations for the General Primary Election on Tuesday, May 17.

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‘Produce Plus Program’ Press Event

News Date:

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

The Berks County Area Agency on Aging is proud to introduce the Produce Plus Program, a new nutrition initiative provided in partnership with Berks Encore and Helping Harvest.

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Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties authorize creation of passenger rail authority

News Date:

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

The County Commissioners in Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties have authorized the creation of the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority to implement passenger rail service.

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Berks County Conservation District new permitting authority will help expediate local development

News Date:

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

The County of Berks is pleased to announce that the Berks County Conservation District will now be able to review and process most of the new construction permitting throughout the county.

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Eligible Senior Citizens Can Qualify for a Free Air-Conditioner

News Date:

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

The Berks County Area Agency on Aging is proud to announce the opportunity for older adults who reside in Berks County to receive a free portable air conditioner.

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Berks County Heritage Center museums reopening

News Date:

Monday, April 4, 2022

The Berks County Parks Department is pleased to announce that the Berks County Heritage Center will be reopening to visitors on Saturday, April 30.

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Kite celebration to help kick off Heritage Center

News Date:

Monday, April 4, 2022

The Berks County Heritage Center’s open fields and skies will be bursting with colorful kites of all shapes and sizes on Saturday, April 30 for the Wind Wonders Kite Workshop.

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Emergency Rental Assistance Program to reopen for applications April 1

News Date:

Thursday, March 31, 2022

The Berks County Redevelopment Authority will be accepting new applications for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program beginning Friday, April 1.

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New assistance fund offers citizens a chance to help Berks veterans facing financial hardships

News Date:

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

The Berks County Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a new program that gives citizens a chance to say thank you and support local service members who have fallen on hard times.

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Berks Heim to host Career Fair on March 16 for wide range of positions

News Date:

Thursday, March 10, 2022

Berks Heim Nursing and Rehabilitation invites job seekers to discover the medical and non-medical career opportunities available at the County-owned skilled nursing facility.

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County of Berks supports quick action amidst election uncertainty in Pennsylvania

News Date:

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

The Berks County Commissioners ask the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to take swift action on the appeal to the state’s legislative maps.

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Upcoming virtual program to provide look into County of Berks ARP process

News Date:

Friday, March 4, 2022

The Berks County Commissioners will be hosting an informational session about the County of Berks’ approach and process for utilizing the County’s American Rescue Plan funds.

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Berks to consider formation of passenger rail authority with Chester and Montgomery counties

News Date:

Thursday, March 3, 2022

The Berks County Commissioners have taken the next step toward restoring passenger rail between Reading and Philadelphia in a joint effort with Chester and Montgomery counties.

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Response to COVID-19 Resurgence

News Date:

Thursday, December 30, 2021

Berks County officials to reinstate local disaster emergency declaration in response to COVID-19 resurgence

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County of Berks Records Manager Cathy Boyer Appointed

News Date:

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

County of Berks Records Manager Cathy Boyer appointed to State Historical Records Advisory Board.

Solicitor Christine Sadler honored with Brady Koch award by PCoRP

News Date:

Thursday, December 9, 2021

The County of Berks is proud to share that Solicitor Christine Sadler has received the 2021 Brady Koch award from the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania’s PA Counties Risk Pool.

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County of Berks warns community of apparent phone scam

News Date:

Friday, September 25, 2020