Collier Township Privacy Policy

Effective Date: November 13, 2025

Collier Township (“we,” “our,” or “the Township”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, how we protect it, and your rights regarding your data. By using our website (https://colliertownship.net), you agree to the practices described below.

  1. Information We Collect
    1. Information You Provide
      We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when you fill out a contact form, register for alerts, or communicate with the Township. This may include:

      • Name
      • Email address
      • Phone number
      • Mailing address
      • Any other details you provide
    2. Where we request information on forms, mandatory fields will be clearly indicated, as that information is necessary to fulfill your specific request or service.
      We do not ask for sensitive personal data (e.g., Social Security numbers, passwords, or payment information). Please do not include such information when contacting the Township through forms or email.

    3. Information Collected Automatically
      When you visit our website, we automatically collect limited technical information through cookies and analytics tools, such as:

      • IP address and general geographic location
      • Browser type, operating system, and device type
      • Date and time of access
      • Pages visited and duration of visit

    Referring and exit pages
    This helps us monitor website performance, security, and usability.

  2. How We Use Your Information
    We use collected information to:

    • Respond to inquiries and service requests
    • Process forms, permits, or registrations
    • Send newsletters or updates if you opt in
    • Improve website content and navigation
    • Maintain website security and prevent spam
    • Comply with legal obligations and public record laws
    • For Users in the European Economic Area (EEA) and the UK

    For visitors from the EEA or the UK, we process personal data based on one or more of the following legal grounds:

    • Consent: When you voluntarily provide information (e.g., to receive updates).
    • Legitimate Interests: To maintain and improve website performance and security.
    • Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws, including public records requirements.
  3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
    Our website uses cookies and similar tools to enhance user experience and performance.

    Types of Cookies Used

    • Essential Cookies: Required for the site to function (e.g., login sessions, security).
    • Analytics Cookies: Used by Google Analytics to understand visitor behavior and site traffic patterns.
    • Security Cookies: Used by Wordfence Security to detect and prevent unauthorized access.
    • Functional Cookies: Support features like language translation (via Google Language Translator) and preferences.

    You can control or delete cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect certain website functions.

    Do Not Track (DNT) Signals:
    Collier Township does not currently respond to browser-based “Do Not Track” signals because there is no universally accepted standard for interpreting them. However, users may control cookies or opt out of Google Analytics by using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

  4. Third-Party Tools and Services
    To operate, secure, and maintain our website, we use trusted third-party WordPress tools, including but not limited to:

    • Wordfence Security – firewall and malware protection
    • Google Analytics – website analytics
    • Gravity Forms – form management
    • CleanTalk Anti-Spam – spam prevention
    • WP Rocket – website performance optimization
    • CookieYes – cookie consent management
    • Yoast SEO – search optimization
    • Imagify – image optimization
    • Max Mega Menu – navigation display
    • Google Language Translator – language translation features

    These tools process limited data necessary to provide their functionality. Each third-party service operates under its own privacy policy.

  5. Data Sharing and Disclosure
    We do not sell personal information.
    We may share limited data only in these circumstances:

    • Service Providers: With vendors who assist in maintaining the website and its functions.
    • Township Departments and Public Records: To route your inquiry or service request to the appropriate municipal office, and consistent with our obligations under applicable state and local public records laws. Communications with the Township may be considered public records and could be disclosed under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law or other applicable laws.
    • Legal Requirements: When required by law, subpoena, or government order.
    • Security or Emergency Situations: When necessary to protect individuals, public safety, or Township property.
  6. Data Security
    We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information from loss, misuse, and unauthorized access. These include:

    • Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption
    • Firewalls and malware detection (via Wordfence)
    • Access restrictions and user authentication controls

    While we take reasonable precautions, no online system is entirely secure.

  7. Data Retention and Disposal
    We retain personal information only as long as necessary for operational, legal, and recordkeeping purposes.

    For example:

    • Form submissions and contact requests: Up to two years
    • Google Analytics data: 26 months
    • Security logs (Wordfence): 90 days

    After the retention period, data is securely deleted or anonymized.

  8. Data Breach Notification
    If a data breach occurs that may compromise your personal information, the Township will take appropriate action and notify affected users and authorities as required by law.
  9. Your Rights and Choices

    You may:

    • Request access to the personal data we hold about you
    • Request correction or deletion of inaccurate information
    • Withdraw consent for optional communications
    • Opt out of non-essential emails or analytics tracking

    To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information below.

  10. Children’s Privacy
    Our website is not directed toward children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect their personal data. If you believe a child has provided information, please contact info@colliertownship.net, and we will promptly remove it.
  11. International Data Transfers
    Our website is operated and hosted in the United States. If you access it from outside the U.S., your information may be transferred and processed in the U.S., where privacy laws may differ from your jurisdiction.
  12. California Residents – Your Privacy Rights
    This section applies to residents of California under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Online Privacy Protection Act (CalOPPA).
    Your Rights Under CCPA

    If you are a California resident, you have the right to:

    • Know: Request details about what personal data we collect, use, or disclose.
    • Delete: Request deletion of your personal data, subject to legal exceptions.
    • Opt-Out: We do not sell personal information, but if this changes, you will have the right to opt out.
    • Non-Discrimination: Exercising your privacy rights will not result in discrimination.

    To exercise these rights, please contact us at info@colliertownship.net.

  13. Links to Other Websites
    Our website may include links to third-party sites. Collier Township is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of these external websites.
  14. Changes to This Policy
    We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal obligations. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised Effective Date.
  15. Contact Information
    Collier Township Municipal Center
    2418 Hilltop Road, Suite 100
    Collier Township, PA 15142
    Phone: 412-279-2525
    Email: info@colliertownship.net
    Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.