FAQs

How do I make a Public Records request?

Please visit the City's public records portal, NextRequest, to make your request. Requests by mail, phone, fax, email or in person are also accepted, but will be entered into the portal for processing.

Who can initiate a Public Records request?

Anyone may initiate a request for public records.

What type of information can I request?

Public Records requests may be used to obtain "agency records," which include a wide variety of documents and other materials (including print, photographic, and electronic formats) that were created or obtained by a city agency and are, at the time the request is filed, in the City's possession and control. The Public Records Act excludes certain categories of records from disclosure.

Many public records are currently available on the City's website at no cost.

How soon must the City respond to my request?

The City has five business days in which to respond to the request by:

Providing the record(s) or a link to the record(s)

Acknowledging receipt of the request and providing a reasonable estimate of the time the city will need to respond to the request

Denying the records request

See RCW 42.56.520 for additional information regarding responses. If a requestor does not receive a response within five days, he or she should contact the Public Records Officer.

Who is the City’s designated Public Records Officer?

General City Requests

Julie Ferriss

City Clerk

230 Pioneer Street

Ridgefield, WA 98642

360-887-3557

Police Department Requests

Sandra Hoots

Police Administrative Supervisor

101 Mill Street, Ste 110

Ridgefield, WA 98642

360-887-3556

What is the role of the Public Records Officer?

Oversee compliance with the Public Records Act

Administer program consistent with the City of Ridgefield Public Records Act Rules of Procedure

Provide the “fullest assistance” to requestors

Coordinate response to requests with departments and offices

Provide most timely possible & efficient action on requests

Protect public records from damage or disorganization

What records are exempt from disclosure?

The Public Records Act, RCW 42.56, provides that a number of document types and information are prohibited from being disclosed or are exempt from public inspection and copying (see WA State Attorney General's exemption list). In addition, there are other statutes not listed in Chapter 42.56 RCW which may exempt or prohibit disclosure of certain documents [see exemption list outside RCW 42.56 (Appendix C to “Public Records Act for Washington Cities, Counties, and Special Purpose Districts,” Municipal Research and Services Center, March 2019, and as amended)]. 

The City of Ridgefield will not disclose lists of individuals for commercial purposes [RCW 42.56.070(9)].

 If only a portion of a record is exempt from disclosure, the Public Records Officer or designee will redact the exempt portions before providing the document.