Limerick Township supervisors have adopted a formal right-to-know request policy after a rise in records requests this year highlighted the need to standardize how requests are submitted and logged.
During Wednesday’s board meeting, Township Solicitor Rebecca Geiser explained that the township had received a high number of right-to-know requests in 2026 without an official policy in place. She said requests had been arriving through several channels, some to township staff members and some to the board, and were not always labeled as records requests.
"Our concern is we want everything to be logged timely, in compliance with right-to-know law, and make sure every request is responded to," Geiser said. She said the policy does not change how the township handles requests but standardizes how they are submitted.
Under the policy, requests can be submitted in person during township hours, by mail to the township building, or by email to RTK@limerickpa.org. Geiser said requests received when the building is closed, such as on a weekend or holiday, will be logged the next business day. She noted state law gives the township five business days to respond.
Geiser said the policy is consistent with state law and with how other municipalities handle right-to-know requests. The solicitor also clarified that requests sent through other channels will not simply be disregarded. If a township official or staff member receives a communication that appears to be a right-to-know request, she said the requester will be directed to the proper form and submission process.
Board Chair Connie Lawson suggested adding language explaining that, while the township must respond within five days, it can invoke a 30-day extension for legal review or when the volume of included documents prevents staff from gathering them within five days. Geiser said that provision is consistent with state law, and the board agreed to add it. The policy was approved with those changes.