How do I obtain an Open Records Request?

Obtaining Public Records

Thank you for your interest in the City of Clarkesville. The Georgia Open Records Act establishes the right to inspect and/or receive public records, excluding those records that are specifically exempted by court order or the law. To inspect and/or receive records, please complete the online form. Please be as specific as possible.

After Receiving Your Request
After receiving your request, the City of Clarkesville will notify you within three business days if there are records responsive to your request and if the records requested are subject to release (O.C.G.A.§ 50-18-71). The response will be provided in written format and will be sent via email when possible.

Charges
Responses shall include the cost to search, retrieve, copy, redact and/or supervise inspection of the requested document(s). The cost represents the hourly rate of the lowest-paid full-time employee who, in the opinion of the City, has the necessary skill and training to respond to your request. There is no charge for the first 15 minutes.

The fee for black and white, letter, or legal-size copies is 10 cents per page. Other types of documents are charged based on the City's expense to reproduce the record. Where fees for certain records are otherwise prescribed by law, such a specific fee shall apply. Payment is required upon receipt of the records. If records are requested to be certified, there is an additional fee of $1 for certification of the first record and 50 cents for each record thereafter.

Not Readily Accessible Records

• Some records are not readily accessible. In these instances, a timeline will be provided as to when the records will be available.
• Some records may be available directly from the department that maintains the records. In these cases, you may be requested to contact the applicable department for processing.
• Upon submission of your request, a confirmation receipt will be sent to the email address provided in the request. Please resubmit your request or contact us if you do not receive a confirmation.

Records Specialist
All Open Records Requests must be submitted to the Records Specialist, who is the designated "Open Records Officer" for the City of Clarkesville. Any requests for records that are served upon any other officer or employee shall not be deemed filed until the requester has filed his or her request with the Records Specialist.