Open Records Request
Thomson-McDuffie County Open Records Request
Thank you for your request to review county records and your interest in our local county government.
The Georgia Open Records Act establishes the right to inspection and/or receive public records unless they are specifically exempted from disclosure under law. The act allows for the appointment of an Open Records Officers to who all requests for records must be made.
The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners has designated the County Clerk for the Board of Commissioners as the Open Records Officer, excluding the offices of the Clerk of Superior Court and Juvenile Court, Magistrate Court, Probate Court, and the Sheriff's Department, including McDuffie County Communications Center.
A request to inspect or copy records should be made in writing. For purposes of documenting and clarifying the scope and timing of the request, please utilize the submission form and provide contact information. All communication and further correspondence will be sent directly to your email.
After receiving your request, you will be notified within three (3) business days if there are records responsive to your request and if the records requested are subject to be release. Some records are not readily accessible. In these instances, a timeline will be provided as to when the records will be available.
You will be notified of the cost to search, retrieve, copy, redact and/or supervise inspection of the requested document(s). The costs represent the hourly rate of the lowest paid full-time employee who has the necessary skills and training to respond to your request. There is no charge for the first 15 minutes.
The cost of obtaining copies of public records will vary depending of the complexity of the request and the record. If estimated costs exceed $500 prepayment will be required.
The records of the elected officials other than the Board of Commissioners are maintained by each elected official’s office.
Open Records Request Next Steps
When making a request please provide the following information:
- Name and contact information.
- A description of the records with as much specific detail as possible. Information that will help identify the records includes dates, subjects, types of record, author, etc.
- Preferred method to receive records (pick up, mail, fax, email). Please note: Normal charges are $.10 per page for standard paper copies.
Thank you,
Carrie Edwards
County Clerk
