Right to Know
Open Records Officer
Christina Casey
Phone: 610-458-1601
[email protected]
What is covered by the Law: Records not questions
The Right to Know Law governs release of records only and does not respond to specific questions.
A record is defined as “any information regardless of its physical form or character that documents a transaction or activity of an agency AND is created, received, or retained pursuant to law OR in connection with a transaction, business or activity of an agency.” AND is created, received, or retained pursuant to law OR in connection with a transaction, business or activity of an agency.”
Records are in the form of papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, film or sound recordings, information stored or maintained electronically and a data-processed or image-processed documents. Note that e-mails can also be a form of public records, subject to certain exceptions.
How to File a Request
Print off a hard copy and complete West Vincent Township’s PA Open Records Right To Know Form in its entirety with clear, specific requests. Send a completed hard copy to Open Records Officer via in person, by mail, email or fax.
Incomplete forms and non-specific requests will be returned to you for clarification and will delay completion of request. Current Township policy states we will not honor anonymous requests. All requesters need a person’s name plus the residential address of requester (it may NOT be a business).
The Open Records Officer will review your request within five business days of receipt of request and consequently fulfill your request according to our Open Records Policy.
The PA Office of Open Records has updated its Standard Right-to-Know Request Form (October 2024). Key changes include a new two-page format and a required checkbox to affirm the accuracy of the provided name and contact information, as well as the requester’s legal residency in the U.S. Our Township has updated the form to comply with these changes.
Documents may be viewed in person by appointment only, at no charge.
The following fees apply to obtain copies of records: 1-5 pages; no fee/ 6 pages and over; $.25 per page / large documents such as plans and maps; $6.00 per page.
How to File an Appeal
Appeals should be submitted to the PA Office of Open Records within 15 business days of the mailing date of the West Vincent Township’s response.