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Supervisors ask staff to study faster, standardized public‑records process amid privacy and AI concerns
Summary
The Board directed the CAO and clerk to evaluate expanding use of NextRequest and other tools to speed public records searches, with staff asked to analyze staffing and software costs and return within 120 days; public commenters raised concerns about data exposures and AI.
Supervisor Andrew Anderson described a plan to improve the county's public records response process by using the NextRequest portal and other technologies to reduce staff search time and increase consistency. "We're looking for staff to come back with choices after looking at all of the options that are out there," Anderson said.
Public commenters urged caution about any automation, citing previous incidents they say involved staff releasing personal information and expressing distrust of AI. Speakers asked for guarantees that searches and redactions would protect private data and recommended human review for legal redactions. One caller said they had found personal information released in past records responses and asked the board to address redaction failures before adopting automated tools.
In response, the board accepted a friendly amendment from Vice Chair Montgomery SE to ask the CAO to evaluate staffing and software needs, collect feedback from public‑records coordinators across departments, and return with a cost estimate and recommendations within 120 days. The board approved the direction unanimously.
Staff emphasized the board letter does not require immediate procurement of AI tools; rather it asks for a process review and options so the board can weigh efficiencies against privacy and staffing concerns.
