Information Request Form
Freedom Of Information Request Form(click)
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The Kansas Open Records Act [KORA] is the Kansas version of the federal Freedom of Information Act. It allows for public inspection and copying of some records maintained by public entities. Not all records are available for public inspection.
To obtain requested information please print the form above, complete and either mail or bring to Barton county Clerk's office 1400 Main Rm202 Great Bend.
Fees...
The Kansas open records act authorizes public agencies to charge fees for providing access to or furnishing copies of public records. This fee may be requested in advance and may include:
- Cost of staff time required to make the information available.
- Cost of copying or reproducing the record.
What records are available?
Most records maintained by public entities are open for inspection and/or copying by individuals. commonly requested records include:
- Ordinances
- Resolutions
- Minutes from open meetings
- Salaries of public officials
- Budgets
Exceptions...
Though KORA operates on the presumption that all public records shall be open to the public, KORA recognizes that certain records contain private or privileged information. The KORA lists several exceptions including but not limited to:
* Records whose disclosure is prohibited by State or Federal law.
* Personnel information of Public Employees.
* Medical treatment records which pertain to an identifiable patient.
* Testing and examination materials prior to the administration of the exam or if the materials are to be re-used.
* Records of individual test or examination scores other than records showing only passage or failure.
* Records reflecting the work product of an attorney.
* Records privileged under the Rules of Evidence.
* Notes and preliminary drafts.
* Correspondence between the Commission and a private individual other than that correspondence intended to provide notice of an action, policy or determination.
* Records of agencies involved in administrative adjudication or civil litigation, compiled in the process of detecting or investigating violations of civil law or administrative rules and regulations if disclosure would interfere with the process or reveal a confidential source or undercover agent.
* Criminal investigation records.
* Public records containing information of a personal nature where the public disclosure thereof would constitute a clearly unwanted invasion of personal privacy.
This list is merely illustrative and not exhaustive. For a complete list of exempt records, see K.S.A. 45-221.