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County reports rise in public-records requests; 311 since January, 73 since July
Summary
The county administrator reported public-records staff processed 311 requests since January and 73 since July 1; records staff listed pending requests and noted typical variables that affect cost estimates and timelines.
County staff reported that the county’s public-records office processed 311 public-records requests since Jan. 1 and 73 requests since July 1. As of the most recent update, staff reported 10 requests waiting on cost estimates, six waiting on payment and 12 ready for release.
The board discussed the workload and the variables that affect processing time and cost estimates, including the number of pages involved, classifications such as medical records, and the level of staff time required from multiple departments (including counsel review). Staff said large requests — the example given was nearly 1,300 pages — require time to assess, prepare cost estimates and fulfill, and that statutory timeframes and tracking add administrative effort.
The board asked staff to prepare routine updates showing counts and, if possible, requester duplication (how many distinct requesters vs. number of requests). No changes to public-records fees or policy were enacted at the meeting; staff said discussions about classification and reporting would continue.
The update was provided as part of the board-administration report and no formal action was taken.
