FAQs

Question:

What is a public record?

Answer:

A "public record" includes any writing containing information relating to the conduct of government or the performance of any governmental or proprietary function prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency regardless of physical form or characteristics. RCW 42.56.010.

"Writing" means handwriting, typewriting, printing, photocopying, photographing, and every other means of recording any form of communication or representation including, but not limited to, letters, word, pictures, sounds, or symbols, or combination thereof, and all papers, maps, magnetic or paper tapes, photographic films and prints, motion picture, film and video recordings, magnetic or punched cards, discs, drums, diskettes, sound recordings, and other documents including existing data compilations from which information may be obtained or translated. RCW 42.56.010(4).


Question:

How much do records cost?

Answer:

There is no fee for inspecting records in person. Island County has adopted the charges set forth in RCW 42.56.120(2), as the fees and costs which may be charged for providing public records requested under the Public Records Act. Those charges include:

  • Photocopies, printed copies of electronic records when requested, use of County equipment to make copies: 15 cents per page
  • Scanned records, use of County equipment for scanning: 10 cents per page
  • Records uploaded to email, or cloud-based data storage service, or other means of electronic delivery: 5 cents per each 4 electronic files or attachments
  • Records transmitted in electronic format or for use of County equipment to send records electronically: 10 cents per gigabyte
  • Digital media storage or devices: Actual cost 
  • Any container or envelope used to mail copies: Actual cost 
  • Postage or delivery charges: Actual cost

The charges above may be combined to the extent that more than one type of charge applies to copies produced in response to a particular request.

Island County may also include a customized service charge if the request requires the use of information technology expertise to prepare data compilations, or provide customized electronic access services when such compilations and customized access services are not used by the County for other purposes. 

Further, where state and federal law sets a particular fee for searching records, research, and/or providing a copy of a record, that fee will be charged. Fee Schedule Resolution C-120-17 (pdf)


Question:

What are Island County Public Records Disclosure Policies'?

Answer:

Please follow this link to our policies: Resolution C-45-23 (pdf)