A Right-to-Know request revealed that Slatington Borough recently shredded over 250 regular and large file boxes of documents and records. However, the same RTK request revealed that no resolution had been passed authorizing and documenting destruction of records in accordance with state law leaving the question what was destroyed?

The destruction of records in Pennsylvania is governed by policies and schedules established by the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission. Quoting an online statement:

“Public officials are legally required to follow specific procedures for destroying public records. In many cases, officials must receive approval from the PHMC before disposing of records. Unlawful destruction of records occurs when these procedures are not followed. “

“The specific criminal offense for illegally destroying public records is “Tampering with public records or information” under Pennsylvania law (18 Pa. C.S. 4911). The law makes it a crime to intentionally and unlawfully destroy, conceal, or remove a public record.”

Before destroying public records, the Borough is required to pass a resolution which outlines what is being destroyed (year and description), the quantity, and what part of the records retention schedule is being cited. As the former council president, I worked with former manager Stevens in 2021, 2022, and 2023 to create detailed resolutions for records destruction. He meticulously documented the items that were to be destroyed, and created the proper resolutions.

The PHMC records retention schedule along with these resolutions were in plain view in the managers office. Four of the current council members were on council when these past resolutions were enacted and are familiar with the correct procedures for record retention. Having spent many hours in the Borough records room, I am familiar with what was housed there. Additionally, I know former council president Reed, and the former manager were familiar with the room’s contents. That room contained a large amount of historical information as well as DEP and EPA records with other records protected by state law from destruction. The question is: How much of our history is gone forever and why was state law disregarded?

Thomas Bartholomew

Former Slatington Borough Council President