Civic Toolkit - Be Effective in Local Government

📋 Right-to-Know Request Generator

Pennsylvania's public records law - get the documents you need

Pro Tip: PA's Right-to-Know Law (RTKL) gives you access to most government records. Agencies have 5 business days to respond (can extend 30 days).

Your Name

Your Email

Your Address

Agency/Department

What records do you want?

Be as specific as possible about dates, names, and types of documents.

Preferred Format

Your Right-to-Know Request

Where to send:
Northampton County Open Records Officer
669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042
Or submit online at: norcopa.gov

🎤 Public Comment Helper

Prepare effective comments for County Council meetings

You get 3 minutes! County Council allows public comment at meetings. Prepare and practice to make your time count.

Quick Templates

Your Name & Address (for the record)

Topic/Agenda Item

Your Comment (aim for 300-400 words for 3 minutes)

0 words | ~0:00 speaking time

Practice Timer (3 minutes)

3:00

Speaking Tips:

State your name and address clearly
Reference the specific agenda item number
Make ONE main point - don't try to cover everything
End with a clear ask: "I urge you to vote yes/no"
Be respectful even if you disagree

💰 Where Do Your Tax Dollars Go?

See exactly how your property taxes fund county services

Your Property's Assessed Value

Find this on your property tax bill or at the Assessment Office. This is NOT market value.

Your Annual County Property Tax: $1,620

Based on 10.8 mils (rate for 2025)

$486

Human Services
(30%)

$324

Courts & Justice
(20%)

$259

Corrections
(16%)

$194

Gracedale
(12%)

$162

Administration
(10%)

$97

Public Works
(6%)

$65

911 & Emergency
(4%)

$32

Elections
(2%)

Did you know? County taxes are only PART of your property tax bill. You also pay:

School District - Usually the largest portion (50-70%)
Municipality - Your city, borough, or township
Special Districts - Library, fire, etc. (if applicable)

📞 Contact Your Representatives

Know who represents you and how to reach them

Your Municipality

County Executive

📧 executive@norcopa.gov 📞 610-559-3100

669 Washington St, Easton, PA 18042

County Council

📧 council@norcopa.gov 📞 610-559-3185

Meets 1st & 3rd Thursday at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers

County Controller

📧 controller@norcopa.gov 📞 610-559-3190

For audit questions, fraud reporting, fiscal concerns

District Attorney

📧 da@norcopa.gov 📞 610-559-3020

For crime reporting, victim services, ARD questions

Writing to Officials?

Include your full name and address (proves you're a constituent)
Be specific about what you want them to do
Keep it to one page / one topic
Handwritten letters often get more attention than emails

🏛️ Meeting Attendance Checklist

Everything you need to attend your first public meeting

Before the Meeting

Check the meeting calendar for date, time, and location
Review the agenda (usually posted 24-48 hours before on county website)
If speaking: Sign up for public comment (sometimes required before meeting)
Prepare written notes if giving public comment
Know parking situation (courthouse garage, street parking)

What to Bring

Photo ID (for courthouse security)
Printed copy of agenda
Notepad and pen
Your prepared comments (if speaking)
Phone silenced!

Meeting Etiquette

Arrive 10-15 minutes early
Sit quietly - no talking during proceedings
No clapping, booing, or outbursts (can get you removed)
Wait to be recognized before speaking
Address the Chair/President, not individual members

First time? Just go to observe! You don't have to speak. Watching a meeting first helps you understand the process before participating.

🚧 Report an Issue

Know where to report problems and track resolution

What type of issue?

Select an issue type above to see where to report it.

Not sure if it's county vs. municipal?

County handles: Courts, prison, 911, county roads/bridges, human services, Gracedale, elections, assessment
Municipality handles: Local roads, zoning, police (usually), trash, water/sewer, local parks
State handles: State routes (numbered highways), state police, PennDOT