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Public requests prompt manager to describe records backlog and staffing changes
Summary
A public commenter asked why public-records requests go unanswered; County Manager Tommy said the county received 82 requests since June 1, 2025, described task complexity and redaction needs, and said he assigned Amy to lead records processing and started a pre-meeting 'sunshine list' to improve access.
Courtney Deals used the public forum to ask about the county's public-records process, invoking Chapter 132 and arguing that records such as emails, texts, financial records, minutes, and leases are public and should be accessible without special forms.
"Public records belong to the people," Deals said, asking who processes requests and why some requests go unanswered. The chair acknowledged the submission and asked the county manager to respond.
County manager Tommy acknowledged past shortfalls and explained that the county has received 82 requests since June 1, 2025, and that requests vary in volume and complexity. "Public records requests are a core part of maintaining transparency, and the county is committed to responding promptly and thoroughly as possible in accordance with North Carolina general statutes, particularly North Carolina general statute 132," he said.
Tommy said he designated an employee, Amy, to oversee compilation and vetting of records to reduce improper redactions and to ensure legal compliance. As an immediate procedural change, he said staff will bring requested materials to the board on the Thursday before the main meeting to include them in a 'sunshine list' for broader visibility. Tommy said Amy completed 17 requests since taking the role and that voluminous requests can take longer to process because of redaction and cross-department research needs.
Courtney and several commissioners pressed for access to leases and other financial records; Tommy asked requesters to resubmit complex requests in advance for more thorough responses. The county agreed to provide follow-up and additional details at the next public forum.
