Government Records Office upholds Weber County privacy classification in Goodell appeal

The Department of Government Records denied an appeal from Mr. Goodell, ruling that Weber County properly classified investigatory and personnel records as private under Utah Code 63G-2-3022(a).

Mr. Goodell, representing himself, told the director he had provided audio recordings of the county's original GRAMA request review and the appeal hearing and said he could find no personnel or investigative files in Weber County's HR, electronic systems or sheriff's office. "I just wanna see that everything was done, that it was done correctly, and that I can forward it forward," he said during his presentation.

County counsel Mr. Erickson urged the director to uphold the county's denial, arguing the statute protects personal employment records unless a disciplinary action was sustained and appeal periods have passed. Erickson summarized the county's position as prioritizing the privacy interests of employees when allegations were not sustained.

Chief Colby Ryan of the Weber County Sheriff's Office testified that an administrative investigative report and an audio recording were provided for in‑camera review but that a separate written disposition letter could not be located in a retired chief deputy's files.

After reviewing the materials in camera, the director said the petitioner had not shown the public interest favoring release equaled or outweighed the interest favoring restriction. "I find that petitioner has not shown that the public interest favoring release of these records equals or outweighs the interest favoring restriction of access," the director said, and affirmed the Weber County GRAMA Appeals Board's classification of the records as private. The appeal was denied.

The director said a written decision will be issued within seven business days and noted either party may appeal to district court within 30 calendar days.