Privacy Policy

Stowe Township (“the Township,” “we,” “us”) respects your privacy. This policy describes what information we collect through the Township website (“Site”) and SMS notification service (“SMS Service”), how we use it, and the choices available to you.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

• SMS subscriptions: mobile phone number and, optionally, your name and notification preferences
• Contact and service request forms: name, email address, phone number, address, and the content of your message or request
• Meeting or event registrations: name and contact details as required

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit the Site, we may automatically collect standard technical information including IP address, browser type, device type, pages visited, and referring URLs. This information is collected through server logs and analytics tools and is used in aggregate to understand Site usage and improve services.

1.3 Cookies

The Site may use cookies for basic functionality and analytics. You can disable cookies in your browser settings; some Site features may not function properly as a result.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

• Deliver SMS notifications you have subscribed to
• Respond to inquiries and service requests
• Provide public meeting notices, emergency alerts, and community updates
• Maintain, secure, and improve the Site
• Comply with legal obligations, including Pennsylvania public records requirements

3. SMS Privacy and Consent

No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. SMS opt-in data and consent will not be sold, rented, or shared with any third parties.

Your phone number is used solely to deliver Township notifications you have subscribed to. Text messaging originator opt-in data and consent are not shared with any third party, except for service providers acting on the Township’s behalf solely to deliver the messages (see Section 4).

You may opt out at any time by texting STOP to. For help, text HELP or contact the Township Office.

4. Sharing of Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information only in the following circumstances:

• Service providers: with vendors who operate the Site, hosting, or messaging platforms on the Township’s behalf, bound to use the information only to provide those services
• Legal requirements: when required by law, subpoena, court order, or the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law
• Public safety: with emergency responders or public safety agencies when necessary to protect life or property

Please note that communications sent to the Township may constitute public records under Pennsylvania law and may be subject to disclosure.

5. Data Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, comply with records retention schedules applicable to Pennsylvania municipalities, and meet legal obligations. SMS subscriber numbers are removed from the active distribution list promptly upon opt-out.

7. Children’s Privacy

The Site and SMS Service are not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided personal information, contact the Township Office and we will delete it.

8. Third-Party Sites

The Site may link to external websites. This policy does not apply to those sites, and the Township is not responsible for their privacy practices.

9. Your Choices

• SMS: opt out at any time by texting STOP
• Email or forms: contact us to request correction or deletion of information you have submitted, subject to public records retention requirements
• Cookies: manage through your browser settings

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The effective date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of the Site or SMS Service after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact

Stowe Township 555 Broadway Avenue
McKees Rocks, PA 15136

Phone: (412) 331-4050

Email: secretary@stowetwp.net