05/01/2026
We previously shared this story and we're happy to share an update: this farmer won his request for draft documents proposed to manage agrotourism and short term stays that Berks County Twp refused to share.
Two separate state level entities ruled that the township hand over the documents: the Office of Open Records, then by appeal a judge in the Court of Common Pleas. The farmer and citizens spent at least $5k in legal fees, and the township at least $3.8k of TAXPAYER money fighting this request.
Question is: why? Why did it have to get to this point?
As pointed out by the farmer: "Individually, it's costing us money, and then, through no control of our own, our tax money is being wasted fighting against ourselves"
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A records dispute in Berks County cost thousands and, according to one transparency expert, shows flaws in Pa.'s open records system.