FAQs
How do I make a Public Records request?
Please visit the City's public records portal, cityofcleelum.nextrequest.com 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.
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.
How much will I be charged for my request?
Who is the City’s designated Public Records Officer?
General City Requests
- Debbie Lee, City Clerk
- 119 W. First Street
- Cle Elum, WA 98922
Police Requests
- Cheryl Montgomery, Police Records
- 807 W. Second Street
- Cle Elum, WA 98922
- Go to cityofcleelum.nextrequest.com to file a request.
What is the role of the Public Records Officer?
- Oversee compliance with the Public Records Act.
- Administer program consistent with the City of Cle Elum's Public Records Act Policies and Procedures.
- Provide the “fullest assistance” to requestors.
- Coordinate response to requests with city departments.
- 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 2016, and as amended)].
The City of Cle Elum 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.
How long is the city required to keep city records?
The city follows the Washington State CORE Retention Schedule for Local Government, which can be frequently updated by the Secretary of State Archives Division.
What will happen if I submit a request anonymously?
If you submit a request without contact information, the portal will not allow you to receive updates for your request and you will not be able to log in to access documents. It will be your responsibility to check the portal for records that are posted publicly on the portal in response to your request. If the City needs clarification on your request in order to respond to your request and you provide no way to contact you, your request may be closed without a response.